Comments on: Finding Career Happiness

By: Lea Curtes-Swenson

Lea Curtes-Swenson — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 21:54:44 +0000

Debra, sorry I’m late! This is wonderful, solid advice. I, too, loved the reflection analogy (even though I first imagined sucking in my tummy after the dreaded glance). By reading Merger, I’ve learned so much about the “conditioning” we receive (both sexist and otherwise)… and by becoming more aware of it, aiming to fight against its effects, both with me and my young daughters.

I’m also in love with your term, “comfortable fiction.” Hilarious and apt!

Gonna keep on questioning the shoulds in my own journey… thanks for the pearls!

By: milkmama

milkmama — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:32:57 +0000

Great post. I am currently struggling with this a lot. I admit that I'm not where I want to be with my career, but I am here because it makes sense for everything outside my career. Your thoughts are helpful in trying to find the balance and decide how to proceed with life. milkmama’s last blog post..a special day

By: Windy Lynn Harris

Windy Lynn Harris — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:33:23 +0000

Debra,
Thank you for encouraging me to put happiness at the top of my list. Not only am I better at what I do when I am enjoying myself, but my family benefits as well. Great advice.

By: kim

kim — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:37:10 +0000

Wonderful tips, Debra, as always These have all helped me out a lot! As I’ve learned, it’s so important to make ourselves happy first, and it’s easy to spread that happiness and fervor to those around us.

kim’s last blog post..French Yogurt and Marmalade Cake – Tuesdays with Dorie

By: Jeana

Jeana — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:47:39 +0000

Excellent post and very well written! Thanks, Debra! Jeana’s last blog post..Hey Jude ~ So CUTE!

By: Warren Honeycutt

Warren Honeycutt — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:02:33 +0000

Terrific psot, Debra hits the target, as to what ’success’ is, without being happy, content, fulfilled, no matter thr trappings, how can one consider that success?

She is very intuitive, in that we are so programmed by those around us that we act, feel and behave in such a way that the world accepts us, and then wonder why we are left feeling empty, alone and outside in the cold. All the while thnking if ‘If I can just do more of the same thing somehow my feelings will change. Just to get back on the Merry Go Round of Life and wonder why we keep missing the beautiful scenery everyone talkes about, noit realizing they too are missing it Great thoughts in the post, Thank You.

By: Julie Roads

Julie Roads — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:02:14 +0000

In this case, it’s a Merger of two of my favorite tweeps – Charlene and Debra!

Debra – what a phenomenal post. I have about 100 favorite parts, but if I have to pick one, it’s catching your reflection in the glass and not recognizing yourself in that instant. For me it’s usually that my mental image wasn’t nearly as delightful as what I see – what a wake up call about self-talk and self-appreciation.

It’s also interesting that I’ve gone through one layer of finding out exactly what I want to do and creating that life – and now realizing that I have to keep doing that work. Now that I’m a writer, there are certain kinds of writing I don’t want to do, certain clients I don’t want to have – this finding career happiness thing is, indeed, a lifelong and really fun project.

Julie Roads’s last blog post..Twitter? Big Brother? No One Cares?

By: Parsing Nonsense

Parsing Nonsense — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:55:27 +0000

Terrific post! I think that the key to living a balanced life is finding a balance between self-awareness and self-absorption. It's crucial to figure out what makes you tick before you can ever try to figure out how to please other people. These tips are well-written, practical, and eminently helpful. Thanks for your insight! Parsing Nonsense’s last blog post..TTDNST: A Muppet and a Fat Guy

By: Meghan Harvey

Meghan Harvey — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:43:24 +0000

What a GREAT post! Sometimes you need someone else (or their blog) to help point out the things you don't see in your own life that are actually right in front of you! Thanks for the much needed inspiration on a Monday! Meghan Harvey’s last blog post..Minty Fresh Breath & Mushy Brains

By: Liz Carver

Liz Carver — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:40:37 +0000

I was about ready to flip a coin, but not in the way you suggest, Debra. But no, your message makes much more sense. Clearing your mind of expectations fueled by anything other than your strongest personal desires is the fastest way to happiness. In other words, do you want to do. Happiness follows. Right?

Just a day ago (or so) I spoke with a friend on this issue. “People say ‘Do what you love’,” I told her… but I often feel I don’t know what I love. Well, I do know, but fear, anticipation, worry – they’re all affecting my vision and the clarity I seek.

So today, I’ll take your advice, and later when I’m calm, reflective, and ready, I’ll find the biggest, brightest coin in my change purse, and flip it.

Liz Carver’s last blog post..Hot Fudge Pudding – a vintage Betty Crocker, molten chocolate, magic syrup, love dish