I just read a post on a friend's business blog that, combined with the week-from-hell I just finished, sparked a thought.

A person's worth is often determined by what they do. Matt (mentioned above) is a world-renouned fiction writer (Don't deny it, Matt. They know about you in Europe, and I'm sure they have repeatedly nouned you.) Another friend owns a successful tech company which has major international clients, others are going for their masters degrees (or PhDs) while almost half my age.

What do I do? I help sell boats.

Doesn't sound all that impressive.

Let's put it into perspective, though. My degree is in technical theatre--designing and implementing lighting and scenery for live performances. My current job title is "Creative Director".

I design and implement all of the advertising for a company with millions of dollars in annual sales. I determine the marketing plan--both short-term and long-term--create the graphics, write the scripts for TV and Radio, and do the voice talent. I take the photos used in our advertising. I develop non-traditional marketing strategies to complement our standard advertising.

For the boat show that's going on this weekend, I built a lighted sign. With the exception of the company logos, every bit of it was my creation. I took the photos, did the layout, designed the physical structure, built and assembled it. During the load-in, 2 different vendors came up and specifically stated how much they liked the sign--that it was creative, impressive, and nicely functional.

I've had national marketing consultants compliment my work without knowing that I was the one who created it.

What I do is small-scale. I know that. I'm not going to change anyone's life with my latest advertisement for pontoon boats. But what I do, I do well. While many people determine a person's worth by their fame and fortune, that's never been a measure for me.

I have a dream of doing something more--something specific--but it's been pulled out of reach for several years now. I may have another chance or two to finally grab it, but even if I don't, I know that I'm doing well at what I do. My value is determined by how much my friends like me and my enemies hate me.

So far, I seem to be doing rather well in both categories.