Advertisement
Health

Would working harder make you happier?

I know that it's supposed to be everyone's dream to win the lottery and permanently kick their feet up in some tropical locale — and, admittedly, that doesn't sound terrible, especially since the offer would likely come with unlimited margaritas.

work Masterfile

I know that it's supposed to be everyone's dream to win the lottery and permanently kick their feet up in some tropical locale — and, admittedly, that doesn't sound terrible, especially since the offer would likely come with unlimited margaritas. But lately, I've noticed an interesting correlation in my life between how much work I do and how happy I feel. If I'm honest, I'm prone to dilly dallying. I can waste hours online, or just wandering around my apartment, and I'm extremely susceptible to offers like brunch, coffee or a matinee — even when deadlines are looming. But when those unproductive days turn into nights, I often lie awake thinking about what I should have done and kicking myself for not tackling more than a BLT before moving on to a coffee date in the park. But then there are those days that I actually manage to tick most things off my "to do" list. When I finish an assignment and I'm really proud of it. When I take on those things that I've been putting off. I've noticed that I feel a lot happier when my head hits the pillow on those days. Of course, there are all different kinds of happy. Working hard doesn't induce a euphoric bliss that I get from travel or just the right combination of flavours or a perfectly placed kiss. It's more a sense of satisfaction, pride and accomplishment. I feel happy with myself when I work hard, and it's nice to be bolstered by something that doesn't depend on any external factors. The recognition that you've worked hard and done a good job with something is one of the best ways to bolster personal esteem. And it's all up to me. Hard work is usually considered a virtue — and I strongly believe that a fair amount of vacation time is also necessary to happiness — but key to this equation is the fact that I really like my work. Years ago, in a boring editorial job at a marketing firm, I didn't derive any satisfaction or happiness from working hard; I simply wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. I didn't feel like I contributing anything worthwhile, and I didn't enjoy the process. Consider this as a litmus test for the career you've chosen: Does working harder at what you do make you more or less happy? And if the answer is less happy, then maybe you could be doing something that makes you a lot happier.

GET CHATELAINE IN YOUR INBOX!

Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement