The myths of happiness
MANY individuals have a misconception about happiness. They think that if they possess something or do away with certain things, they might be happier.
The truth is, it is not so much what we possess or get rid of that could make us happier people. Let’s take a look at some of the myths out there about happiness.
* A new job will make us happier
Most of the time when people are unhappy with their jobs, they think they would be happier when they have a new job or work in a new company. However, sometimes some people change jobs merely to run away from their current problems. By merely changing jobs, the problems might not necessarily go away. In fact, they could get worse.
If they do not find solutions for their existing problems, they will carry those problems with them wherever they go.
On the other hand, they tend to have higher expectations of things at the new job and may feel that conditions would definitely be better. However, all jobs come with pros and cons, and we never know the negative elements that may come with the new job until we are there.
* Longer vacations will make us happier
A longer holiday will not necessarily make people happier. Some individuals will simply spend their time running around and at the end of the day find that they get nothing much done except to feel exhausted and tired.
In fact, a long holiday does not guarantee a sense of satisfaction or happiness. Only those who know how to plan their holidays well, do things that make them happy and spend time to rejuvenate, will truly find their holidays well spent. They will be much happier and satisfied compared to those who do not plan their holidays wisely.
* Less working time will make us happier
Many individuals wish that they could work less hours and rest more so that they could spend more time doing what they love. The truth is less working hours do not necessarily equate to happiness.
The key to happiness is not so much on the hours we spend or do not spend on our work, but more on our job satisfaction and the people in the workplace.
If we have nice colleagues, we would not mind working longer hours in a pleasant environment. And if we like our jobs, we would not mind spending extra hours in the workplace.
* Promotions and increments will make us happier
Many individuals believe that when they are promoted or when they get a pay raise, they would be happier. The truth is the feeling of happiness may be there for a while, but it usually would not last long.
Any promotion or increment would naturally come with heavier responsibilities or workload and the management would have higher expectations. Those who are unable to live up to these expectations or cope with the new demands would not enjoy the promotion or increment for too long. In fact, it would become a heavy burden on their shoulders if they are not ready for the added responsibilities.
* A meaningful job will make us happier
Most of us feel that our jobs are not meaningful – that they do not make us feel important or great. The truth is, even when we have landed the most meaningful job that we have always dreamed of, we may not necessarily be happy.
This is because when we do not win the approval of others, sooner or later, we will feel discouraged and we will even doubt whether we are doing the right thing and we may even wonder if it is the right job for us.
On the contrary, even when we are doing a very insignificant job but gain recognition from those around us, we will feel a great sense of satisfaction. And this will bring us great joy beyond what words can describe.
In conclusion, it is not so much about what job you have or how high the pay is or what perks you enjoy, that would make you happy. It is only when you are able to make positive contributions that win others’ acknowledgement that you will truly find satisfaction and happiness in your working life.
Priscilla Hiu is a career guidance consultant of Gracia Management and a certified behavioural consultant of DISC Personality Profiling System, Institution of Motivation Living, USA and Extended DISC Personality Profiling System, Extended DISC Northgate.