Working From the Ground Up

After years of climbing the so-called “corporate ladder” I was almost at the top. I’d worked so hard going to school, trying to keep up with technology and ahead of my whip-smart younger colleagues. I had my own office. An assistant. Only a rung or two more!

I was empty. The view from (almost) the top wasn’t as fulfilling as I imagined. After years of pursuing what I thought I wanted—what women have fought so hard for, like the right to make a living, hold a position of power—I realized I was tired, incredibly tired, trying to make it. I found I was climbing the wrong ladder. My soul yearned for freedom, to pursue other far more important matters.

I climbed down and started again. With feet back on the ground I refocused my passions on helping people and the planet, and on citizen journalism, returning to my original purpose of aiding those whose voices must be heard.

Now I face a new set of challenges.

The first is time. The reality is I must keep a full-time job. Yet, as much as I love teaching, I can’t help the nagging feeling that I’d rather be working on rainforest research, writing about the environment and human rights. In fact, I’m stealing a few moments between teaching classes, writing reports and marking papers to write this Week Three assignment.

The second challenge: limited finances. I’ve been looking for ways around this. Maybe it’s a longshot but I’d like to become more successful at publishing articles and (the ultimate goal!) to obtain a book contract that would provide enough money for me to take time off and bring this important issue of palm oil and deforestation to light, as well as donate to rainforest conservation.

Which leads to the third challenge. I’ve been so focused on improving my writing skills that I haven’t left much time for learning how to reach a wider audience. I admit I need help with getting a “publication mindset” and learning how to harness Web 2.0 to the fullest of my abilities. It’s a lack of confidence, too: that nasty little voice that says “What makes you think you can pull this off? Who will even listen to you? You’re no expert!”

I’m thankful to have found this community of women on World Pulse because it is giving me the strength to muster my courage and step out into the jungle, write stories that matter, and share them with the world. Simply connecting with other women who send messages of encouragement and support really helps to drown out those voices of doubt and fear.

I’m dedicated to this mission, and I will not give up!