[altendo]

> Where do you find your sense of purpose working in the private sector?

In some sense, I don't.

At this point in my life, my tech job essentially funds my living expenses: a place to live, food, etc. That isn't to say that I don't like my job - I do, I am still passionate about doing a good job, and I know that my work helps other people - but my purpose doesn't involve work necessarily.

My sense of purpose lies outside all of that. I practice martial arts regularly. I volunteer as a crisis counselor for a local crisis center doing all sorts of things. I love getting outside on a cold day and just going for a walk. I love being with friends. Work provides me the money and the flexibility to do all of it.

I would suggest that, if you are moving into the private sector but still want to serve without worrying about profits, look for charities and other nonprofits in your area and get involved. Maybe even think about what fields of interest matter most to you (is it homelessness? LGBTQ issues? immigration-related issues? mental health?) and find resources near you that are addressing those things.

Working in private sector can provide you the foundation for doing other work elsewhere at the same time. Work doesn't have to provide everything.