"He profits most who serves best," is a quote that many live by. Basically, what this means is that you shall receive the greatest benefits for the work you put in. Or as I like to say, "you get what you put into it."
But I have found this to not be so true with everything you do.
I have found that he does not always profit even if he serves best. I have been in an organization for one year and a half. At first, I fell in love with it and thought that it would be my go to. I thought I would develop many friendships that would last a lifetime, and connections that would propel me into my future. But boy have I been wrong about that.
In life, certain situations like this come in stages.
Part one: blinders
My first semester as a freshmen in college I was in this position, and I did not even realize it till now. I was in love with what the organization did and how it operated and the benefits that could be reaped with hard work. I adored the people I met. I wanted to be like them.
Part two: the honeymoon stage
After my second semester, I was brought deeper into the group and held a leadership position. I really enjoyed what I was doing, but I was still getting my footing. I saw a very promising future for myself in the organization and strove to do all that I could to better the organization and myself. Everything was good, or so it seemed.
Part three: the awakening
I came into my third semester bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. I was ready to do all I could for my organization and serve it to my fullest and best ability. I was ready to "serve best," but to my surprise, after much time, effort, and hard work, I found no profit. I found a thankless job. I found glares for the minor things that did not go perfectly. I found myself being treated inhumanly. I reaped many nights where I would cry and wonder what did I do that was not good enough? I found many people talking and stabbing me in the back. The people who I am suppose to find my comfort in, I could no longer approach with my problems.
Part four: the stench of discovery?
I am not sure what to call part four, but what I do know is that I am not alone. Many in my organization have similar thoughts and hurts put upon them from similar situations. They silently let the issues eat away at them, because even if they were to say something, it would be written-off. I am not sure where to go at this point in this position. Much pain and under appreciation is all I have felt from this organization. What hurts the most is how much work I have put into the group, but have received little profit.
"He profits most who serves best."
Did he really profit the most when he served the best? I am a firm believer in putting everything into what you have committed to in life, but right now I'm sure that we have a case of fraud.
"He profits most who runs the system."
On that note, always serve to your best ability, but never let people take you for granted.
