I need to feel as though I am legitimately contributing to society.

There is a difference between contributing to society and filling a role. Whenever it is revealed that I want to contribute, I am told that I’m asking for too much. To me, contributing means that we are actually making a difference. It means that we are legitimately making this world a better place. Simply doing work for a pay check does not accomplish that goal.

In many ways, the need to contribute is the most important goal for me. I am confident in my abilities, and feel that I need to help make the world a better place. If this world isn’t any better off for my having existed, then my entire life could be viewed as a failure.