zlacker

I left the NSA a few months ago largely for these reasons. While I knew I personally couldn't do much (if anything) to stem the onslaught against human rights, I knew at the very least I didn't want my life's work contributing to it. So I left, leaving behind a very secure sysadmin position with good salary, six weeks of paid vacation and incredible health benefits. Now I'm a 1099 independent contractor for a financial services company with zero job security. But the freedom of burden on my conscience has been worth it.

>>vocatu+(OP)
You probably had some serious inner battle about this. I applaud you for taking a stand, these kinds of decisions aren't easy. It gives me hope that there are still people out there who care more about doing the right thing than tapping to a source of money. Tangentially, I read somewhere months ago there was an effort by a group of activist people who built a tent near the NSA building and invited the people working there to come and discuss their job and its issues. I'm wondering how successful was this effort? How was it received by the employees?

>>vocatu+(OP)
I applaud your courage! This is so great to hear. It's only when people stand up for what they believe, and nearly always at great personal cost that meaningful change begins to look possible.

It's so important to have activism and structures in place to protect whistle blowers and others not comfortable with our current direction to take this difficult path. Respect!

>>effie+oO
I didn't interact with any of the people you're referring to, so I can't comment on that situation.

Thanks, it was a difficult decision and took me a while to come to, but I knew I couldn't continue working there in good conscience.