Monday, September 20, 2010

You Don't Need a Job to Be Happy!?

From NYDailyNews
Apparently not, as Jamie Doward of The Observer reports. According to a new study in The Economic Journal, unemployed people are less satisfied with their life in general, but on a day-to-day basis, they have the same level of positive feelings as the employed. The researchers explain that most people are happiest when at leisure and least happy at work, so in a way the results make sense because the unemployed have more leisure time.

But don't quit your job yet! Remember that money DOES buy happiness for people below the poverty line (just not for the middle class or higher). Unemployment can also add a lot of stress in today's tough job market. Still, though, this Economic Journal study may at least give jobless people reason to step back and be thankful for what they DO have as they continue down the difficult path to employment.

Those of you without a job, do you feel happy? How do you feel about this study? (Those with jobs can join in the discussion, too!)

4 comments:

  1. "Still, though, this Economic Journal study may at least give jobless people reason to step back and be thankful for what they DO have as they continue down the difficult path to employment" - totally MY way of thinking, but you already know that!

    I do have a job though. And even if I think the study is pretty accurate, I think it would be useful to atke into account just what kind of a job a person has. You know, some of us do something we love and get paid for it (not my case YET), and a lot of us just do something to have a regular paycheck (my case FOR NOW), and then there are those who truly hate what they do but they don't have much choice as they need money... Whew... I'm sure you know what I'm trying to say, as the satisfaction one gets from tehir job itself is definately a major happiness factor both overall and on a day to day basis!

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  2. Yes, different jobs probably bring different happiness, and doing meaningful work is a big contributor. I'm sure there are also many levels of unemployment that would make a difference (unemployed with a family, unemployed without a family, etc). Actually, the more I think about it, the more I think this study is missing a lot of information (or at least the news report is). Maybe someone needs to do a follow-up study to clarify these issues!

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  3. Hey, exactly! Somehow I didn't think of it right away, but you are so right - not all unemployed people are unhappy about that. Some love being a full time parent, for example, and having a spouse who brings home a good paycheck can add to their happiness by not giving reasons to worry about having food on the table.

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  4. Hi Derek,

    As you aptly noted stepping back and being thankful for what you do have can make a big difference.

    When I was unemployed I felt pretty happy but then again I was let go from a job I disliked.

    Having a job which you dislike may provide security along with depression. I feel it's best to follow your passions while allowing the universe to open doors for you.

    Thanks for sharing your insight and the study results. Have a wonderful week :)

    Ryan Biddulph

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