Comments on: Finding My Own Money vs. Mission Balance

By: clarence

clarence — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:40:10 +0000

wonderful reading,its one of life’s greatest goals to find something that you truly love,your passion that affects everyone postively,and allowing one to live confortably.

enjoy the journey,you will find it or it will find you.

more power to you.the world needs many more people like you.

By: Chris Cava Preston

Chris Cava Preston — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:05:17 +0000

“So, I’ve decided not to choose money over mission, but to choose both. Think of it as “ego-altruism” — a lifestyle about living big and giving big.” (Deron Triff, Jan. 21)

Well said. What the money gives us is freedom. Freedom to make choices. Freedom to take the pro bono job for the non-profit. Freedom to volunteer.

You chose the word “Balance” to name this post — and that’s what it’s all about. Great piece, Sus.

By: Natasha Kapij

Natasha Kapij — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:54:17 +0000

Susanne! Inspiring woman!

The purpose of life is a life with a purpose.
You found yours, and I congratulate you on that!
Just this week I adopted a little 10 year old girl Xiana as a little sister, and can not be happier about the right investment of time.
You reminded me of how great it is to serve others this morning, and I thank you for that.
Kepp up a great work for the right reasons!

Your Ukrazian friend Natasha Kapij

By: Kathleen Lacey

Kathleen Lacey — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:48:18 +0000

Thanks for your thoughtfulness and addressing such an important issue to most of us! As a social worker, I’ve always been so grateful to have a job that I absolutely love and have confidence of my contribution to the world. However, I’ve always said, “I didn’t go into social work to make money.” I’m probably the opposite of most on this site. It would be nice to have more of the comforts and security that a larger salary can provide. That being said, there are so many ways to do both as some of you have expressed. I would say that your time is the most valuable resource you could give any social problem. Don’t underestimate the power of a few hours a week devoted to a non-profit or cause. That is what social change means to me…the things that could be accomplished if we all spent a few hours a week working for social good…

By: Steve Shapiro

Steve Shapiro — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 01:03:06 +0000

Susanne,

As you know, I had a similar meltdown many years ago. A consulting project of mine was to result in 10,000 people losing their jobs. I quit the project and took a leave of absence for a few months. Although I did return to the consulting company, I vowed to never again be involved with downsizing. It has been a dozen years and I have been true to that promise. I now only focus on growth.

I am 100% confident that you can do good and do well. It sometimes requires a different path and some creative thinking. But maybe more than anything, it requires patience and faith that it will all work out.

You are one of the smartest, most passionate, and caring people on the planet. I know in my heart that you will soon have it all. You deserve it. And the world deserves more people like you.

Steve

By: Susanne Goldstein

Susanne Goldstein — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:20:23 +0000

All such great responses! Thanks to all of you. My post helps makes a point, and that is that making a difference takes some thought and effort. I believe it is worth the trade-offs, but even I have my trade-off limits. I think Deron said it best in deciding “not to choose money over missions, but to choose both”. At the end of the day, that IS what I have done. What I’ve also chosen is to NOT choose pure money.

Keep them comments rolling in!

By: Deron Triff

Deron Triff — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:08:07 +0000

Great post, Susanne! So many good examples are unfolding around us today, each demonstrating the compatibility between doing well by doing good,,, between maximizing revenue and social return.

Companies like Nau, Timberland, Participant Productions, GOOD Magazine, Good Capital, Fast Company, among others are beginning to blur the lines big time. On the Internet, new comers Razoo (good luck with the contest!), Rethos, and (if I might add) Changents are on the bleeding edge of bridging business and mission. B-Labs is creating an entirely new set resources for “For Benefit” companies. These are exciting times, don’t you think?

So, I’ve decided not to choose money over mission, but to choose both. Think of it as “ego-altruism” — a lifestyle about living big and giving big.

By the way, if you’ve not already read it, Joe Keefe’s (PAX World) article “From Socially Responsible Investing to Sustainable Investing” is a good trend-spotter piece on this.

Cheers!

Deron

By: Dr. Elizabeth Lyster

Dr. Elizabeth Lyster — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 23:55:16 +0000

Good news! It doesn’t have to be a black-and-white, leave one thing to do the other, decision. We (at least those of us in Susanne’s world) are all waking up to the needs of the world and the people in it, and each of us can be most effective by using the skills we have towards global ends. There is a business side to every big endeavor, and ignoring that fact leads to the endeavor ultimately failing. I have to remind myself that while seeing one patient at a time may not be the big scale I want to work at, I can make my living, make a difference with one person at a time, and blend my practice in with the change I want to see in the world. In my case this has to do with women leading full, healthy, fulfilled lives.

By: Gina Simpson

Gina Simpson — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 21:20:51 +0000

Thanks for sharing! Just when I thought I needed to do something besides public service…you remind me why I am still doing it after 20 plus years. Gina

By: Jennifer Karno

Jennifer Karno — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:05:14 +0000

darlin - you are so inspiring and I loved reading your story. My husband Joe is finishing his MBA at Presidio School of Management and is inundated with corporate /sustainable/green job listings. He’s very plugged in and consults with start-ups and also large businesses who are interested in sustainability and also making profit (Natural Capitalism) - especially in the climate and green space.

A large emphasis on social activism going on there too. If your interested I could find out how to get you the listings but you’ve probably got a lot on your plate.. let me know what your looking for specifically.

These days I am full time mom to a 9 month old but looking for part time work I can do from the house too.. not an easy challenge. Come visit and lots of love and hugs to you. xo Jen