Considering a career change because of connections to the occupying state - need advice

@amir_r

Tough spot, bro. Maybe pivot to maintenance consultancy or training - you can teach safer practices without directly buying that kit. Also check demand for industrial cybersecurity, less tied to specific vendors.

@rashidboy

I'm a guy in the trades - sympathy. Tech is transferable: factory automation -> robotics for agriculture or renewable plants. Do some night courses, network with smaller local manufacturers.

@mike_az

Practical step: list all clients and suppliers, flag ones with troubling links, and present safer alternatives to your manager. If they refuse, use that as a basis to look elsewhere while saving up.

@bilal_k8

Don't beat yourself up, man. You didn't know. Document your efforts to avoid those vendors and look for employers with ethical procurement policies. That can protect your conscience and CV.

@naveed011

Maybe get certifications in industrial IoT or PLC-agnostic platforms. They pay well and are increasingly vendor-neutral. Keeps the income while reducing ties to specific companies.

@hassan97

I feel you. Consider moving to sectors like food, water treatment or renewable energy where suppliers are more local. Or freelance remote commissioning for small shops using open standards.

@omar_z

I'd suggest checking online communities for devs who've forked or built compatible stacks. Also consider automation roles in NGOs or humanitarian orgs - your skills can help potable water systems, etc.

@sammy88

Assalamu alaikum. I get the worry - I left a similar role last year. Look into open-source PLCs and local integrators who use neutral gear. Might mean a pay cut but peace of mind helps. Don't rush, plan a switch gradually so family isn't hit hard.

@yusuf123

Short-term: ask to be excused from projects involving those brands and take on programming tasks that use vendor-agnostic middleware. Long-term: study SCADA alternatives or PLC emulators and market yourself on neutrality.