Saturday, May 10, 2008

This is the greatest job in the world

Accomplished: Coming off a week in California where I made major progress on a project.

Music mood: "Walking on Sunshine," by Katrina and the Waves

I have so many reasons lately to look around and say, "Seriously? I get to do this for a living? How did I get so lucky?"

There are superficial reasons, to be sure. Like the moment last Tuesday during a meeting with the creative team on this project -- aka my friends who just happen to be an amazing graphic designer and web designer. We met in La Jolla, a beautiful coastal town just north of San Diego, at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Midway through my fish tacos I thought, "OK, seriously... I get paid for this?"

But superficial reasons aside, I was reminded recently of the real reason this is the greatest job in the world. People trust me with their stories, and it is one of the highest honors I've ever known. I recently interviewed an amazing woman (she shall remain anonymous for now), and afterwards, I was struck by a profound sense of duty.

And far more than all the other "perks" of being a freelancer, THAT is why I love to do this. Why I couldn't do anything else.

Why do you write?