I was asked to provide outreach on waste management at the household and small to medium-sized enterprise meeting. The outreach was for a small group of women entrepreneurs in the food and beverage production. I agreed, even though the event was held on Sunday, my day off. Actually, I could have asked my staff to conduct the outreach, but I decided to do it myself because I had nothing else to do that day.

The next day, the contact person informed me that they couldn’t provide a proper incentive for my services. This meant they would pay me less.
This information bothered me for days.

I did not mind being underpaid, but I wished they hadn’t told me that. My sincere desire to share knowledge was now filled with questions. Why would they pay me less? Did they not have enough funds to carry out the activity? Or were they only trying to steal the money so they could use it for themselves?

I wouldn’t have minded at all, regardless of how much they gave me. Even if they didn’t, it wouldn’t have mattered, because I had ever worked without being paid as a resource person. I’d only been given a plaque as a reward.

I believe that whatever I receive is my sustenance. Unless there’s a formal employment contract that specifies the honorarium I receive and the specific tasks I’m expected to perform. In that case, I will sue my right.

But this event was a semi-social activity. Of course, I understand their limitations.

I came to the meeting after much thought. I resolved my own questions. I reminded myself that sincerity in doing something is crucial. Never do something solely for material rewards. If you only focus on material gain, you won’t find happiness or satisfaction in the activity.

The event ultimately went well. I was pleased with the response to my outreach. I met the sincere young lecturers who initiated the meeting (I commend their passion for service), and the small business owners who were intrigued by the material I presented. My doubts were dispelled.

Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God).