Last week frazzled producers at the TED Radio Hour HQ thought it wise to re-upload a 2014 podcast. The 45 minute episode discussed money and its impact on the human race, aptly named ” The Money Paradox“. During the episode, a relentlessly intrigued Guy Raz interviewed a small mob of psychologists and economists saying close to the same thing: Humans simply don’t need more money than necessary to live on (and allow for occasional time to relax). They found that poorer people tended to be comparably more generous and much more willing to help out strangers in a bind.

In reflection of the podcast, timely played during the two weeks before my new job starts, I don’t feel like climbing the “corporate ladder”. I will work hard at what I love and try to contribute as much as I can to environmental innovation and conserving our Earth, but not for the money. I am privileged to have a roof over my head and a computer to write this post on. Given this new job, it’s time to start finding ways to increase awareness of how lucky I am, and act in reflection of that.

How can you use what you’ve been given, your privilege, to help others? I’d love to hear some creative ideas!