Recently, I had to fill out a form. Probably for a doctors office. It had a question I have been asked before and often makes me pause.
Occupation.
I don't have a clue how to answer this. After years of trial and error on numerous customs forms and visa applications, I came to the vague description of "NGO manager." This assumes of course that the person reading the form knows that NGO stands for non-governmental organization. The whole thing wouldn't fit in the space provided so I settled for the acronym.
Now I work for a small office of three people and manage no one. What should I put in that pesky box?
I was told my new career is "philanthropy." Hmmm...that doesn't sit right with me. I feel the two words "career" and "philanthropy" don't match.
I have always viewed philanthropy as a way of being - concern for humanity, generosity or showing kindness to the needy. It is best when consistent in our lives...but as a career? That seems to taint it, somehow. It seems dirty to be getting something (pay, recognition, awards) from doing what is supposed to be about others. At least that is how I see it.
So, I am left with an unanswered question - what is my career? I don't know. Suggestions are welcome.
just Sheri, stumped
I think you could consider being a career philanthropist an honorable profession, although I agree that seems to be generally associated with people who just give away a lot of money. But finding employment that sustains you while you do it...that's pretty cool. Although I can't help you with the label, I'm thankful you are doing the work, whatever it's called.
ReplyDelete