Thank Heaven for a Salary

I like to think of my salary as a pair of jeans–comfortable, flexible, unpretentious. Levis, not designer. At first things are tight, but in time you break ‘em in. A non-profit salary is like that pair you love–not fancy, but oh so wonderful to wear.

My salary has allowed me to keep a comfy apartment in a decent part of town, away from the bustle but still pretty far from a Wal-Mart. It’s an old place with no washer/dryer hookups, but there are lots of trees and flowers around. There’s a grocery store within walking distance and the pool is very clean. Even if I lost the roommate, I’d still be able to make rent and have a little left over for Thai food delivery.

Before I started working, I thought a lot about the money I would make. Now, the money itself is not nearly as valuable as the quality of my existence. My salary allows me to focus on things I really want: hard work, respect, creature comforts, optimism, idealism. The more I think about income, something that for many of us is so basic, the more grateful I become. I can’t help but wonder how different things would be if I had been born into other life circumstances. In my family, a steady income was normal and expected, but for many it simply is not.

Does this mean I should feel guilty in my comfortable apartment with digital cable and air conditioning?

I don’t think so. In my opinion, the key is to always keep one’s eyes and heart open, maintaining generosity of spirit and utilizing one’s gifts and assets for good. I know a woman who gives without thought. She opens her home freely and never expects anything in return. She understands that she cannot “change” people, but that she can help them feel empowered and loved. This is what I believe, too.

As happy as I am to have a salary, I’m even happier to work for a cause in which I wholeheartedly believe. The organization invests in me, and I invest in it. I hope that in documenting my first year of work for a nonprofit organization, I can alleviate some of the fears associated with such a big adjustment. I am convinced that work can be meaningful if it ignites a spark within–I wish nothing less for myself and everyone else!