That reminds me of a post about a similar circle that you wrote a few months ago - the religious circle, leaving, going out to explore and understand, gather the experience and circle back. Sounds like you did something similar with work, too. I'm pretty sure that both you and the company are better off with that, as it brings a different perspective into the game.

It's always great to be able to connect work with something that makes life better. That creates community. I've been lucky enough to understand that 5 years ago, and since then I've sown many fruits and harvested even more. There is something magical in community, something that is unfortunately in danger and being killed off by "modern" living, and by those who want "a piece of recognition". But each oasis is worth it.