You Know You Love Your Work When...

Due to a hard to come by internet connection today, this post and the previous one combine for a first time ever DOUBLE POST!

Tucked away in a little cove is a small town called Estero de Platano, population 400, where  I am charged with the task of implementing the first water treatment system.

I spent a week and a half planning and designing the system, and have since worn many hats. On site, I am the design engineer and construction manager. From there, I frequently switch between plumber, construction worker, community organizer, and educator. I saw a lengthy YouTube video (which I can't find right now) that hits the nail on the head: "beyond simple tasks, for work to be enjoyable and productive, money ceases to be a motivator. Interestingly, it has been shown that an increase in money earned results in a decrease in productivity. People are actually motivated by 1. Being Challenged, 2. Feeling Useful, and 3. Having Self Direction."

Those factors are quite general, so to be more specific: You know you love your work when… 

New Settings: Time, Place, Etc.

Filling jugs of water at Agua Muisne in Cabo San Francisco

I had loose plans to work in Guatemala for my 3^rd and final leg of this hydrophilic mission, but the project wasn’t right – too short and not sustainable. I respectfully declined, and trusted something better would turn up. Turn up it did in no time at all, with help from my observant girlfriend and a stroke of luck. Following a chance sighting at a bulletin board posting and a few emails, a volunteer placement for me was devised. It is with a foundation called Agua Muisne and turning out to be a perfect fit

We learned in English class to lead with the setting.