Learning what your made of...

I've completed over half of my VISTA year, and it has certainly been a challenge. While I've enjoyed my position and the type of work I'm doing I've been facing a rather difficult dilemma. No matter how hard I work we all make the same amount. I know everyone struggles with the income a VISTA makes. So I know many of you are feeling the pinch. Working so hard and for many hours and having so little monetary reward is a slap in the face when you can't support yourself. This experience has defiantly made me a stronger person, but it has really tested what I'm made of.
I've also reached the point of questioning if the struggles are really worth the effort. And I've come to the conclusion that I'm not working a "job" but building a future career. Which will be much more rewarding in the long run. I'm just wondering if other VISTA's face this dilemma as well? I know the people that we help appreciate the jobs we do.