#15 - How to best use your career | Rob Wiblin of the 80,000 Hours Podcast

The Giving What We Can Podcast

We were lucky to be joined by Rob Wiblin, Director of Research at 80,000 Hours as well as the host of the 80,000 Hours Podcast with Rob Wiblin back in the middle of last year. In this interview, we hear about what 80,000 Hours does and how to find an impactful career. Rob also discusses how laziness was a key factor in creating the 80,000 Hours Podcast and why people might benefit from thinking less about the social impact of their work.

To listen to the 80,000 Hours Podcast with Rob Wiblin visit: https://80000hours.org/podcast/

Check out 80,000 Hours: https://80000hours.org/

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction with Luke and Grace

04:09 - Who is Rob?

05:15 - What does 80,000 Hours do?

07:32 - What factors should people think about when trying to find a career with positive impact?

10:40 - Some examples of existential risks (nuclear war, pandemics, bio-weapons)

14:05 - The difference between catastrophic risks and existential risks

16:00 - What are some ways people can address these risks?

19:18 - How can people from all types of careers help address these risks?

20:45 - Problem and career profiles

22:20 - How did Rob end up hosting the 80,000 Hours Podcast?

26:51 - The early days of 80,000 Hours and the growth of effective altruism

32:42 - Moral cluelessness 33:56 - Combatting overwhelm with fun and finding sustainable motivation

37:55 - Rob's final thoughts

CREDITS:

Production: Grace Adams

Editor: Marco Shimabukuro

Interviewer: Luke Freeman

Guest: Rob Wiblin