Pro Bono Work

Comment now » // March 19th, 2007

I’ve been a part of the work force for about 5 years now. After realizing that now many of the favors I give won’t win me higher grades but money in stead, instinctively, I’d often equate my every effort with the amount of money I’d get from it. 

Yes. For five years, I work for money. Unless it’s a friend who’s asking for some favors, of course, I’d often say or at least think out loud, “how much would you pay me if I do that for you?”

Although there are some times when I’d work just for the sheer sense of fulfillment I’d get, such as when I trained a Management class for their verse choir presentation, I can easily count those events.

However, just recently, I’ve learned the value of pro bono work. Pro bono work or pro bono publico is a phrase derived from Latin meaning “for the public good”. It is used to designate legal or other professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment, as a public service.

I now entertain tasks that I don’t have to be paid for doing. Although it’s not something that I’m sure I can do a lot often right at this moment, it definitely is rewarding to receive thank you’s from strangers that don’t come with paychecks.

The fulfillment I get from doing pro bono is addictive. And I hope I can do more.