I definitely understand where you're coming from. Starting from junior high, I spent countless hours volunteering at Make-A-Wish type organizations, fundraising for various causes, working at soup kitchens, etc. But it was while writing my $15 check for the WWF (from the first paycheck I ever received) and wishing I could donate more that I realized I needed to make money to make a difference. Non-profit organizations need money to operate. While there seems to be a pretty good stream of people willing to volunteer their hours to speak about injustices and hardships and the need to raise money for their causes, there aren’t nearly enough people actually giving money to support these causes. A large portion of the time spent volunteering consists of soliciting donations anyway, so I figure I could be that difference by making the donations.

Sure, there are those who say this is a sell-out’s way of making it easier to sleep at night, but I actually have put in those hours volunteering and trying to make a difference at the grassroots level. From my personal experience, I find that making and donating money is a more efficient way of contributing to society. I agree with Adam that if this means working incessantly for a few years at Biglaw, then it would be worth it. At least until I have the funds and connections to open up women’s clinics, I wouldn’t mind pawning myself to Biglaw and paying some bills along the way.