Erin Brokovich (2000): Being Rewarded for Great Work

An uplifting scene about the unexpected reward that comes from great work

Erin Brokovich is a movie about doing great work during difficult times. Based on a true story, Erin Brokovich is a single mother with three kids and a few dollars in her bank account who convinces a small-town lawyer to hire her as a legal assistant. Without any traditional work experience, she exposes a utility company’s secrets responsible for making hundreds of people sick. This leads to the law firm winning a case that makes the lawyer rich.

In one scene, the lawyer presents Erin with a bonus check for her hard work. It comes shortly after he and his employees move into a luxurious office, paid for with the case commission. Expecting she’ll get a smaller bonus than she asked for, the lawyer surprises her.

“After careful consideration, I felt that figure was not appropriate.”

Erin interviewed hundreds of victims and persisted for 18 months before she received her reward. And the reward was greater than what she could have ever imagined. This is because her work was greater than what anyone could have ever imagined. She continued to show up during difficult times and do her best when others would have thrown in the towel. You know that inner voice that tells you to return to mediocrity because it’s easier in the short term? She didn’t listen to it.

I’m financially stressed right now while starting a content marketing business and tempted to return to traditional employment that delivers a steady paycheck. I have more money going out than I have coming in and feel cornered. Even writing this post is a struggle. But I continue to write, and I continue to deliver work that is greater than what I could have delivered as an employee. I don’t do this for a reward, but I know that I’ll be rewarded accordingly if I persist.

Are you doing work that’s worthy of a reward?