Comments on: Looking for Happiness In All The Wrong Places

By: Doreen Orion aka Queen of the Road

Doreen Orion aka Queen of the Road — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:23:43 +0000

So, so true to talk to people who are established in your chosen profession before you jump in. However, I would also add, that professions can change in ways that no one could have forseen.

When my husband and I started out in our practices 20 years ago, we loved our work. If it had stayed like it was then, that would have been fine, but it hasn’t. I honestly don’t know any docs who would tell their kids to go into medicine or who would do it again, if they could. That’s why so many are leaving the profession now. I’m fortunate in that I’m also a writer, so I have something else to do that I love. It’s always struck me as idiotic that we expect 20ish year old “kids” to figure out what they want to do for the rest of their lives.

By: fitwallet

fitwallet — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:08:22 +0000

“In both cases I allowed money to heavily influence my decision, instead of simply following my heart.”

This is so interesting–I did the exact opposite, and I can’t say it has worked out as well as I’d hoped, either! I’m a social worker. I thought it was exactly what I wanted to do, but it turns out I was a little too idealistic. While the job has its perks, it’s extremely draining and most of the time, I feel frustrated. And you know what they say about social workers’ pay…you’ve gotta love the job! My annual salary didn’t eclipse my grad school student loan balance until two years after I started working.

This is not to discourage anyone out there from following their dreams–far from it! But be sure if you follow your passion, you think it through. Make sure you can live comfortably on the average salary in your chosen profession, and remember that just because your school says the “average graduate” makes X amount of money, doesn’t guarantee that you will. Plan ahead and talk to others in your field to be sure it’s for you.

By: HIB

HIB — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:29:56 +0000

Interesting post. I actually started out as a liberal arts major in college. I was tempted to go into a major that I thought was interesting, but once I began to see the student loans mount I quickly decided to major in engineering. I struggled in engineering partially because I didn’t really enjoy it and I think my grades reflected that.

I’ve been to your blog from time to time, but I think this is a blog I should be reading on a more frequent basis.

Great content!
-HIB

By: Jon Kepler

Jon Kepler — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 03:23:29 +0000

I’m not sure being happy with your job and minimizing the stress really has much to do with how often you’re at work. I think it’s more about productivity, and being able to set up systems in your life that allow you to be productive with less effort.

Also, the field also doesn’t have much to do with it. You can hire out or automate a considerable amount of work in any sector.

By: Karen

Karen — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 02:43:19 +0000

I was basically run off my last job due to a lethal combination of harassment and stress, and I’ve spent the past year on disability at much less than half of my great salary. I was really proud of my job and the salary that I earned, but in the end, all that really mattered was my health, my family, the sky, the birds, the flowers and most importantly, my God! After being home to cook meals for my family, pull out my dusty sewing machine again, grow a vegetable garden, hang the clothes out to dry, talk to my teenaged daughter’s and husband for a complete conversation, I finally felt what it was to relax! I started a very small business selling handmade hats at a local gallery. I went back to school after 28 years at the local community college. And after 5 years in this home I’ve finally met my neighbors and they’re all really nice! This might sound silly to some people reading this but I actually felt like I had stepped off of a treadmill set on the highest setting. It took awhile for my body to adjust but now, although I will soon return to work,I’m going to continue making my hats, cooking meals for enjoyment, and live the scaled back life that I learned to live while I was home.

By: Signs of Economic Recession: Laid Off Bloggers, Web Sites For Sale

Signs of Economic Recession: Laid Off Bloggers, Web Sites For Sale — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:35:00 +0000

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By: ReddH

ReddH — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:47:12 +0000

I’m one of those people that works in a low paying field. I’m a frugal person and I work hard at keeping to a strict budget because I love my job. I would rather have a slightly lower key lifestyle and not be miserable 40 hours a week.
I feel sorry for the guy that has a tough day every day. I wonder if he knows that his life doesn’t have to be like that.

By: Weekend Linkage - November 23, 2008

Weekend Linkage - November 23, 2008 — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:42:55 +0000

[...] Looking for Happiness In All The Wrong Places [...]

By: chris

chris — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:42:31 +0000

I’m a secondary education teacher, and it doesn’t matter where in the world you teach it is not well paid. I have recently realised in another 3 years when I am about 50 years of age I will be debt free, no mortgage, no nothing.

So this has made me think, do I want to then get a better house in a better suburbs and start the debt again. Or do I see this as a great opportunity to have a lower standard of living, look less successful, but have the freedom to take a year off work and maybe do some voluntary work overseas.

The second option really appeals.

By: squawkfox » Snow, Rain, and Slush Oh My!

squawkfox » Snow, Rain, and Slush Oh My! — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:06:52 +0000

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