In the past, I had that libertarian/Austrian economics mindset. I wouldn't necessarily have said that people always acted out of self-interest; I probably would have phrased it more in terms of "mutually beneficial exchanges". In the end I found that it wasn't always good for me to be thinking in that way, though it can be a useful form of analysis to help us understand the world. Every way of viewing the world can be a trap for us if we get too obsessed with it, believing it's the One True Way, instead of just a tool.

Your ideals are noble, and there are a lot of people who share them all around the world. There are intentional communities and Rainbow Gatherings, ashrams and temples, and all sorts places where people get together to be kind and contribute without thinking about what they'll get back.

Some people you meet probably like the phrase "adding value" a lot, but I can understand how it wouldn't be empowering for you, as it obviously has some economic assumptions in there. There are better ways to express the idea: "How can I show my gratitude?" "How can I allow people to feel good about what I'm doing?" - I think you probably get the idea.

Fitting in isn't always easy, but speaking from the heart as you've done here is always worthwhile. Good luck and have fun being the change you want to see in the world.

Take care.