Capitalism Paradox

Through-out my ponderings in life and the especially stimulated thoughts while on the farm, I've realized that everything that really makes me happy in life has little to do with money. The bonding with friends and the deep conversations, the satisfaction of a hard days work, nature, laughter, everything that I find that makes me smile is not centered around money. This is a big reason why I'm not concerned about how much I make or a salary. I'm focused on learning some life skills and some farm skills too. But alas, we live in a capitalist society where money means everything and this where I find myself in the paradox. Money provides a sense of security. Sometimes this is just a number in a checking account that makes someone feel safe or secure and sometimes it's having enough physical stuff to feel safe and secure. There is some merit to having something put away for that rainy day or retirement and I have to quarrel there. But that "something" put away isn't enough of a reason for me to work at something that isn't inspiring just because it pays well. Hopefully I'll find the perfect job someday that pays well and gives me some meaning and I got all my life to find it. This is especially relevant this week since I'll be starting my new job as shop manager at the ReCyclery in Port Townsend. It's a non-profit bike shop similar to Community Cycles in Boulder. I'm very excited to be involved with the ReCyclery and I can relate to their philosophy on a very fundamental level. They're dedicated to education especially for the youth, they don't turn away anyone because of their financial situation, they aren't focused on making a profit bigger than the last quarter, they focus on community outreach, they keep things out of the landfill, and they give people a healthy way to leave their car at home. All of these things don't necessarily have to be about bikes, they're just good principles to run a business by. Now you add bikes into that mix and it's a perfect job for me. To bring it full circle, no I won't be making a killing, but I'll be making a living and that sounds pretty good to me.