I have updated my March 2025 post about pursuing a late-career shift to existential risk reduction.
I did it! On June 3, 2025, I became the new Operations Director for MATS.
To do this, I had to step out of my comfort zone, build new relationships, and constantly seek opportunities that felt directionally correct. I persisted, was open to serendipity, and continually tested where my existing strengths could make the greatest impact.
[We are currently hiring at MATS and accepting scholar applications for the Winter 2026 cohort!]
Thank you to everyone for taking the time to read my post, comment, and contact me. I have enjoyed meeting several new people during 1-on-1s. I was a bit nervous to share my story as my first post. I am glad people have found it helpful. The reception has been all positive and supportive. This is another example consistent with every new and uncomfortable position I put myself in over the past couple of years -- everyone has welcomed me in, listened to me, shared their experiences, and encouraged me. Thank you.
@kevinj I agree that earning to give could result in more impact (more quickly), but at the moment, I don't seem ready to be fully rational or selfless. Some burnout from my existing job and wanting to be personally involved in the work to address my concerns were part of my decision to explore this pivot.
Not sure what you are thinking about -- but if it is a concern about it all being transactional and everyone focused on just themselves ("must get job"), I didn't feel that. Going to the EA conferences was the best thing to do to better understand the community, feel the positive energy of 200 to 1400+ smart, passionate people working to improve the world, and to talk with people who could help me test my fit to pivot into the space. I feel we are not fully tapping into all the interest out there. So that made me more open to the entrepreneurial route through Catalyze Impact. I am also still applying for jobs.
I have updated my March 2025 post about pursuing a late-career shift to existential risk reduction.
I did it! On June 3, 2025, I became the new Operations Director for MATS.
To do this, I had to step out of my comfort zone, build new relationships, and constantly seek opportunities that felt directionally correct. I persisted, was open to serendipity, and continually tested where my existing strengths could make the greatest impact.
[We are currently hiring at MATS and accepting scholar applications for the Winter 2026 cohort!]
Thank you for reading it and sharing it in your post.
Thank you, JP. I wish you the best in your next activities.
Thank you to everyone for taking the time to read my post, comment, and contact me. I have enjoyed meeting several new people during 1-on-1s. I was a bit nervous to share my story as my first post. I am glad people have found it helpful. The reception has been all positive and supportive. This is another example consistent with every new and uncomfortable position I put myself in over the past couple of years -- everyone has welcomed me in, listened to me, shared their experiences, and encouraged me. Thank you.
Thanks for your comments and the link.
@kevinj I agree that earning to give could result in more impact (more quickly), but at the moment, I don't seem ready to be fully rational or selfless. Some burnout from my existing job and wanting to be personally involved in the work to address my concerns were part of my decision to explore this pivot.
Not sure what you are thinking about -- but if it is a concern about it all being transactional and everyone focused on just themselves ("must get job"), I didn't feel that. Going to the EA conferences was the best thing to do to better understand the community, feel the positive energy of 200 to 1400+ smart, passionate people working to improve the world, and to talk with people who could help me test my fit to pivot into the space. I feel we are not fully tapping into all the interest out there. So that made me more open to the entrepreneurial route through Catalyze Impact. I am also still applying for jobs.
I lean toward more work on improving conditions if we survive, but noting that you have to survive to benefit.