How to Be Happy
Professor Mrs. Bennett
English 110
20 October 2010
How to be Happy Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness has been the focal point of America for over two hundred years, yet so many Americans work their entire lives just to find themselves just as unhappy as they were when they first began. Many people believe money is the key to happiness. “If only I were rich, I’d be happy.” They surround themselves with fancy cars, large, extravagant houses, and designer clothes, all in an attempt to be happy. Although these things might make them happy temporarily, they soon find out that the novelty wears off and that they are no happier than they were before. So, what is it that makes people truly happy? One important aspect people need to take into consideration on their pursuit to happiness is the job or career they choose. Too often people choose a job strictly based on salary. “How much money can I make?” What they don’t consider is what they have to sacrifice to get that money. What’s the sense of having a six or seven figure income if you have to work eighty or ninety hours a week to earn it? Is sacrificing your personal and family life really worth a large bank account? There is a very popular quote that states, “do what you love and love what you do.” People that work based on their passions instead of their bank accounts find themselves a lot happier than those who choose the opposite. Holding a close bond with family and friends is another important aspect people fail to consider on their pursuit to happiness. They devote their entire lives on their careers, putting everything they have into it because they think if they are successful then they will be happy. What they fail to realize is that by doing so, they sacrifice the two most important things a person can have to be truly happy, a strong family and close friends. How many times have you heard of people relocating for a job that makes them more money, just to move back a couple of
English 110
20 October 2010
How to be Happy Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness has been the focal point of America for over two hundred years, yet so many Americans work their entire lives just to find themselves just as unhappy as they were when they first began. Many people believe money is the key to happiness. “If only I were rich, I’d be happy.” They surround themselves with fancy cars, large, extravagant houses, and designer clothes, all in an attempt to be happy. Although these things might make them happy temporarily, they soon find out that the novelty wears off and that they are no happier than they were before. So, what is it that makes people truly happy? One important aspect people need to take into consideration on their pursuit to happiness is the job or career they choose. Too often people choose a job strictly based on salary. “How much money can I make?” What they don’t consider is what they have to sacrifice to get that money. What’s the sense of having a six or seven figure income if you have to work eighty or ninety hours a week to earn it? Is sacrificing your personal and family life really worth a large bank account? There is a very popular quote that states, “do what you love and love what you do.” People that work based on their passions instead of their bank accounts find themselves a lot happier than those who choose the opposite. Holding a close bond with family and friends is another important aspect people fail to consider on their pursuit to happiness. They devote their entire lives on their careers, putting everything they have into it because they think if they are successful then they will be happy. What they fail to realize is that by doing so, they sacrifice the two most important things a person can have to be truly happy, a strong family and close friends. How many times have you heard of people relocating for a job that makes them more money, just to move back a couple of