I can admit it: I love eavesdropping. Not in an intrusive way, just paying avid attention to over heard words. Found language. Today, while reading at Starbucks, a business meeting was happening at the table next to me. In a way, it felt like I was supposed to be at that Starbucks at that time just to hear that conversation.
Right now, in my life, there is a preoccupation with money. My parents and by extension, myself, are scrapping for cash and quite frankly grasping at straws. I don’t know how it will all pan out and it’s scary to feel so vulnerable because of a lack of money. Right when I was pretty much thinking of selling my soul to help pay bills, I over head this group of financial analysts and consultants at Starbucks. I was so put off by more or less everything they said, how they carried themselves, and how entitled they acted. While I still wish money did grow on trees, I would rather be struggling than jaded. Money, despite what our culture suggests, is NOT everything.
Below is a little piece I wrote inspired by the overhead conversation that also inspired this post:
Commission
“The bottom line of this meeting is to make money.”
“Time is money.”
“I do a lot of selling.”
– But when all you care about is making money, don’t you get exhausted? Drained, at least? Eyes tired from viewing everything behind dollar signs? Hollowed out of humanity, if we’re being dramatic. Every body is profitable. A profit to be made. Commission. Potential commission. I don’t know you as a person, but I can judge you by your profession. Quite quickly. Quite easily. That may say a lot about me, but I think it says a lot more about you. It’s sad that money is literally the most important thing to you. In theory, it is to me too. But I have perspective enough to realize things like family, friends, health, beauty in a quiet sunrise. I don’t think you do. Money is an ugly thing that you would hail until you turn into dust. Which you will, eventually. No matter how much money you make on commission.
“When I come here, this is your table.”
-You own Starbucks now too?
“Brought the whole army.”
-Somehow you all look the same. The financial analyst. Buttoned up dress shirt. Quaffed hair. Coffee cup in hand.
“6 months to make $100,000.”
-Is that a challenge or a given?
XX
Abby
Treated myself to an almond + cherry scone and an almond milk latte at a little cafe I stumbled upon while walking through the city.
Union Square ♥
Ferry building = one of my favorite places in SF.
Words cannot describe how happy I was to be reunited with my Blue Bottle Coffee, sigh.
Handmade infinity wire bracelet I picked up from a street vendor.
Lovely view from the Sutro Baths.
Peak of the Golden Gate Bridge during a hike through Lands End.
abbyandally 