I’m Ahraz, I’m 27, and I’ve just walked away from a high-paying data science job in London to work with UNICEF. On paper, that sounds ridiculous. Why would anyone leave a stable, lucrative career in tech to dive into the world of global health? Trust me, I’ve heard every version of that question from friends, family, and colleagues. But here’s the thing: my path has never been conventional, and I’ve never been afraid to take the road that doesn’t make sense to everyone else.
Why I Left a High-Paying Data Science Job in London for UNICEF
For the last few years, I was doing what most people would consider “successful.” I was working with a big pharmaceutical company, using data to optimize health solutions. It was challenging, but after a while, I realized something was missing. I’d spend hours analyzing vaccine data, seeing where the system was failing and how people were slipping through the cracks. I knew I was good at my job, but I felt powerless to make real change. I wasn’t okay with that.
Growing up, I was always involved in human rights movements and activism, so the pull towards social impact was always there. The more I sat with that feeling of discomfort—of not doing enough—the louder it became. Eventually, I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I realized that staying in my high-paying role was killing my passion for real change. So, I made the decision to pivot. I applied to roles at UNICEF and other organizations where I could use my skills to make a direct impact on global health and human rights.
The unconventional part of my story isn’t just about leaving a lucrative job—it’s about the way I view success. For a lot of people, success means climbing the corporate ladder, getting promotions, making more money. And for a long time, I bought into that too. But the more I worked, the more I realized that I was measuring success in the wrong way. I wanted my work to matter on a larger scale, to be a part of something that actually saves lives.
What really pushed me over the edge was when I saw a job description for UNICEF that involved traveling to developing countries to work on improving health systems. That was it for me. I stayed up all night reading about public health infrastructure and grassroots-level work. That was the moment I knew I couldn’t stay where I was. I wanted to be out there, seeing the impact of my work first-hand, not sitting in an office running numbers that barely scratched the surface.
Why I Chose Purpose Over Profit
The transition hasn’t been easy. I’ve had moments of doubt, especially when thinking about the financial and personal risks. Moving away from London, potentially losing my UK visa, being far from family—those are real concerns. And yes, I’ve had people tell me I’m crazy for giving up the comfort and stability of my old job. But I knew staying would’ve felt like a slow death. Regret comes from not trying, not from trying and failing. I’d rather take a chance on something meaningful than stay comfortable in a job that didn’t fuel my soul.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people thrive in the corporate world, and that’s great for them. But if you’re someone who feels pulled towards something different, something unconventional—whether it’s social impact, non-profit work, or any other less-traveled path—go for it. Don’t let the noise of other people’s expectations drown out your own calling.
I used to think the non-profit world was financially unstable, but the truth is, no job is 100% secure. My old company laid off hundreds of people. And as for the pay? No, it’s not CEO-level, but it’s enough. What I’m gaining—purpose, fulfillment, the chance to make a tangible difference—is worth way more than a bigger paycheck.I wouldn’t change anything about this journey. Every step I took—through the corporate world, through doubt and discomfort—led me here. And I’m exactly where I need to be. So, if you’re considering a similar leap, just remember: the “right” path is the one that feels right to you, no matter how unconventional it looks from the outside.
