Help and happiness

Job satisfaction doesn't always depend on the job.

Page 1 of 2

A recently released study by the University of Chicago's National Opinion Research Center suggests that those who help others are most satisfied in their professions (see "Workers who help others report most happiness" Monitor, April 17).

Clergy and firefighters topped the list as the most satisfied in their professions, while roofers, unhappily, were at the bottom.

How to find satisfaction is an age-old question. Not all of us are cut out to be members of the clergy or firefighters. But we all – including roofers! – are entitled to happiness.

In my quest for satisfaction, I've found that it's not what I can get from my job but what I can bring to it that matters most. I've held a variety of positions ranging from cook, cashier, and paper carrier to mom, teacher, and spiritual caregiver.

Not so long ago, I took on a paper route for economic reasons. As I prayed, I glimpsed that this was actually an opportunity to love God more by loving my fellowman. I decided to see it as delivering "good" news by making sure I did it well. I strove for precision in everything – neatly folded papers carefully stuffed into plastic sleeves precisely placed on the right doorsteps by the prescribed time.

As my focus changed from "poor me" to loving God through precision, the heaviness of the papers and the dismalness of the early hours ceased to be factors. Satisfaction came from knowing the job was well done. Happiness derived from appreciating the unique perks – sparkling Venus in the velvet black sky, the squeaking crunch of snow underfoot, and comments from extremely pleased customers.

Right where we are now, no matter what condition we find ourselves in, satisfaction can be ours as children of the one all-loving and compassionate God. Looking to God, Soul, has helped me understand that satisfaction and happiness are accessible and demonstrable, regardless of occupation or circumstance.

Page 1 | 2 | Next Page

Get Monitor stories by e-mail:
(Your e-mail address will be protected by csmonitor.com's tough privacy policy.)

In Pictures
Fireworks: A party in the sky

ELECTION '08 Patchwork Nation
The American voter beyond red and blue

FISHERIES Empty Oceans Series
The sea is no longer so vast.


Daily podcast

Monitor Reports

Discussions with Monitor reporters from around the world


Today

Peter Grier

Honduras has two presidents, but no solution to the country's political crisis.




Making a difference
Making a Difference

What happens when ordinary people decide to pay it forward? Extraordinary change. See how individuals are making a difference, finding solutions, overcoming adversity, and giving back globally.

Jeremy Gilley, founder of the nonprofit Peace One Day, talks with students at Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School in Cambridge, Mass.

Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

People making a difference: Jeremy Gilley

This actor and filmmaker envisions that world peace begins with just one day of peace.