I left the NSA a few months ago largely for these reasons. While I knew I personally couldn&#x27;t do much (if anything) to stem the onslaught against human rights, I knew at the very least I didn&#x27;t want my life&#x27;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&#x27;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.