Initially I decided to work on something that interested me, so I ended up in IT and gradually worked my way to the point when I could start my own company.
After some time I decided I wanted to work on things that makes a significant difference to other people (preferably those that have it the hardest) and/or the environment. It turns out there is a ton of stuff to do that I find give great meaning to my life.
Akvo now has one of the largest databases of water wells and water sources, covering primarily West Africa but also other regions, with a good data collection and visualisation system. Additionally we have integrated field usable water quality sensors with smartphones for faster and cheaper data collection.
To answer the question: I work on both what I want to work on an what I think needs to be worked on.
After some time I decided I wanted to work on things that makes a significant difference to other people (preferably those that have it the hardest) and/or the environment. It turns out there is a ton of stuff to do that I find give great meaning to my life.
One of the organisations I helped create is https://Akvo.org
Akvo now has one of the largest databases of water wells and water sources, covering primarily West Africa but also other regions, with a good data collection and visualisation system. Additionally we have integrated field usable water quality sensors with smartphones for faster and cheaper data collection.
To answer the question: I work on both what I want to work on an what I think needs to be worked on.