Why live to work when you can work to live?

Unless you work in health, aid or the teaching professions chances are using your professional skills to make a difference in this world can be a challenge. However whilst you are lining big businesses’ pockets nine to five there may be opportunities that you are missing.

I love it when I hear of people who work for themselves and dedicate one day a week to pro-bono work. I think that web design retains much of it “grass roots” movement and there is a sense that the internet should be an even playing ground for charities and multinationals alike.

Ironically it is often the “little people” who have the greatest appreciation for the ability of the web to empower. The classic example of recent times is Barack Obama, who gained the majority of his financial support from website donations. Formerly the underdog he now looks set to take the White House later this year.

Many people in the world are slaves to their work by necessity to feed themselves and their family. We in the West are slaves by choice. It’s a huge blessing if you love what you do, another if you get paid to do it, but why do we stop there? If we can offer something valuable why not make our work work a blessing for others also?

I think the best place to start is to get inspired. There are so many worthy projects, that we can struggle to know where to begin. My advice: think close to home. I have many friends who use their time and talents in far more noble pursuits than myself. One friend began a bottled water company, Wellwellwell, who donates 100% of its profits to provide safe drinking water, decent sanitation and hygiene education for the world’s poorest people. Another is organising a speaking competition, Speak Up, which encourages students to engage in world issues, challenge others and inspire action.

A little help can go a long way. If you can find someone who has vision you’ll be surprised at what difference an insignificant website can make.