"If I got paid, it was no more than five dollars a column, and I still think I was overpaid"

This quote by Dick Schaap is a reflection on his very early career as a journalist. He is sharing his shock at how much he was paid for his work, considering the quality of his writing. He was paid no greater than 5 dollars a column, which he believes was too much for the work he was creating. This quote talks with the value of hard work and dedication, as Schaap was able to earn a living from his writing in spite of the reduced pay. It additionally speaks to the relevance of wanting what you do, as Schaap was able to make a job out of something he took pleasure in. This quote is a reminder that effort and devotion can pay off, also if the benefits are not always instant.