My 1st Angry Post

I'm pretty lucky...because I naturally tend to never get angry. Irritated, frustrated, disappointed... yes. But angry? Not likely.

So on the rare occasions that I do get angry... it's explosive and uncontrollable. Ok, so maybe I could control it. But right now, I'd rather just write about it.

Today, I began a really amazing opportunity with a client for our student-run firm. I've never been so excited or so passionate about a project before...ever. In summary, it involves a company in Africa, educating people and providing jobs in an economy where 25% of people are unemployed. It's an international PR and marketing project- with the potential of a trip to South Africa. Naturally, I can't wait to get started!!

So here is where the story turns. I told someone on campus how excited I was about this project, expecting them to respond with encouragement. But all I got was a blank stare and the response, "Why would you do anything if you're not getting paid for it?"

I was speechless and deep in thought for what felt like a lifetime, until I responded, "Because I love it and it's an amazing experience." I then received another bewildered stare, looking at me as if this is the worst decision I could ever make.

At the moment, I was confused, but the more I think about it, the angrier I get. Why is everything about money? Ok, I get it... we need money to live. But honestly, does money always have to be the motivation? The things I actually enjoy the most, I don't make any money doing. I plan on choosing a career that I love, for a cause I am passionate about... not because I would get a big paycheck.

I guess what bothered me the most is that he devalued my project, like it was worth nothing, only because I wasn't being compensated monetarily. But seriously... I will learn more working on this project, then sitting at some pointless job making money. So isn't my education and experience worth something? What about the fact that I just really enjoy doing it. Isn't my love for a cause worth at least a smile of appreciation and respect?

Apparently not. I guess to some people, the only things of value in life are those that make money. Well this makes me angry and even more determined to commit my life to the things I love, the things that (currently) I don't make money doing.

So I will attempt to turn this anger into passion...a passion to accomplish great things, despite the lack of monetary reward. And this will bring me joy, because at the end of the day- true success is the happiness I feel when I follow my heart.