No Stupid Questions

Government services aren't company, and some do develop technology, place like US national institute of Health, or US NASA, or US department of Energy come to my mind, but any first world nation would have tons of similar things. As usual doesn't mean there is no bullshit to deal with (You know the saying about reserarcher main job is to look for fundings)

Then there is FOSS sofware some of them being managed by non profit who can afford to pay their developers

finally, there is a whole non profit/charity/coop part of the economy, and considering the weigh of technology, you may have some jobs linked to technology. (But managing let's say the "red cross ERP" sounds as awful as managing any other corporate ERP)

At one point in my career I cared about what I did and who I worked for I felt pride over my product and my team, and all I feel now is shame to be associated with my company, I feel disgusted with myself that I work not for my customers but for shareholder value.

This tracks with my experience here as well.

keep my job and not get layed off.

For me, it seems like falling in line and kissing the ring is more important than showing ability, if you want to avoid being laid off. At a previous job, I got laid off before my very noob coworker who took months to complete PRs because I wouldn't shut my mouth about RTO.

a meritocracy

🌎🧑‍🚀🔫🧑‍🚀 Never has been.

I've never worked for a for-profit company since I graduated college. There is variation in non-profit employers, but there are some that are great places to work.

I got a job at a university after graduation (different university than where I got my degree), and I worked there in different departments until I took a job in the university hospital. I've worked here for more than 25 years.

The pay tends to be a bit lower than what you'd get at a for-profit company, but not as bad as some would lead you to believe. I've been able to buy a home, raise a family, and live fairly comfortably.

The benefits are very good. There's a strong focus on education and growth, and work-life balance isn't just a lie they tell people in the interview.

By definition, no. You can volunteer for a non profit, like the Linux foundation, but you won't make much money.

No, there are not. Form a union, get contractually obligated dignity and respect.

Traditionally, there have been a few classes of companies in the U.S: C Corp, S Corp, LLC (Limited Liability Company) aka partnerships, and Closed. Most companies in the U.S. are organized as one of these, with their responsibility toward shareholders, who want to see their money grow.

If you wanted to work for a company that didn't necessarily have infinite growth as its mission, the only option was to find a Non-Profit, but they may not have the kind of funding to spend on legal visas.

In the last few years, two other types of companies have emerged. They're similar, but legally different: B-corp (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/B_Corporation_(certification)), and PBC or Public Benefit Corporation (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benefit_corporation).

These can be for-profit, but have to have a stated mission in their charter to provide a benefit of some sort to the public.

The links above point at some examples, but you may want to do your own research. Those companies may have the resources to pick up your visa, and may better align with the values you're looking for.

Ideally, and when able, your best bet would be to start your own business and set it up just the way you want.

To improve your work conditions you have to demand it for yourself. As long as workers allow it to happen, their bosses will do everything to increase profits on the expense of the workers. Unionising your workplace is the only secure way to gain back your power.