Well I have just entered the corporate world, so I really couldn't differentiate between the non-profit and corporate world. I can only give my opinion about the corporate even though I have only been here for about two months now.
I enjoy what I am doing and I'm making a great salary, but I really cannot say that what I'm doing is meaningful.
Just like you said, "We are people. Human beings. We are not machines. And that is how you are treated...". I've been working 65 hours a week for a month and I'm worn out already. I get up, go to work, work, go home, sleep, and get up, over and over again. If this is the way my life is going to be for the next 25 years, then I'm trying to retire at 25. I think Corporate America works too much. I really don't understand why we should spend 8 hours or more a day trying to make sure that either your company or someone else?s makes money. Yes, it helps to make society prosperous, but it doesn't do anything for the problems that are going on.
I've always done community service on a regular basis, but lately I haven't been able to because of work and I just feel so bad. I enjoy being that independent woman and providing for myself, but if I had the option I'd marry rich quick.
Being a housewife doesn't seem that bad now, especially since I'd have the time and resources to do what I like best, which is helping others.
I've ventured off the topic a bit, but I guess the answer really depends on the person. Some people really don't care how much money they have and feel they are rewarded by doing good deeds. Others believe that money is their means of survival and will do whatever to make it. Finally, there are those that know they need money (like myself to pay bills), but can still make time to do something more meaningful for themselves and society.