PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS #1: Does your job truly make you happy?

Happiness is relative. We all have our own ways and means to be happy. As for me, I have a clear vision of what could satisfy my weary soul. Some of which includes: travel the world, experience new things in the most unimaginable places, meet new people, experience different culture and traditions, pursue my passion for writing.

I am always in a state of euphoria every time I go to unfamiliar places, or get lost in a sea of strangers yet enjoy the solitude and the unfamiliarity of it all. The cravings of my discerning palate get its satisfaction from exotic cuisines which do not just fill my stomach but also my dried up soul. The joy I get every time I talk to people, listen to their stories and also share mine, experience their culture and tradition is positively enigmatic.  It's funny, how sometimes we are so certain of what we want, yet can't make them into a reality, simply because our time, resources, and sometimes the people around us hinder us from doing so.

I have a 7-5 job at the moment which is the biggest contributing factor of why I am under a lot of stress. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for my job, and it gives me a different kind of fulfillment. But there are people whose wanderlust transcends their capacity to be confined in one place doing the same routine everyday of their lives. Needless to say, I am one of those few.  

The search for a means to earn without having to conform by the rules and standards set by those who are at the higher-ups never ceases. I know, it seems unlikely, since I am not born with a silver spoon, and I was raised to have a mind-set of an employee. But fortunately, I have found solace in Freelancing. As a freelancer, I can choose project-based jobs, work at my own pace, set my own (reasonable) price, and do the work anywhere, anytime. But, I can only devote very little time since I am still confined with my job.

Sadly, no matter how much you want something; there will always be  challenges along the way that will hinder you from pursuing what you want. In my case, my family. Almost everyone in the family is an educator, or is an employee both in public and private organizations. To them, it is a gamble to pursue endeavors which are not tied to employment. Hence, they would stop me from resigning from work to be a full time freelance writer and digital marketer.  

Freewill, this is something that we are blessed with. And though I have my own freewill, I cannot disregard my family’s opinion. Maybe it’s not time yet, maybe I have to endure this agony a little longer. But I will definitely continue doing what I love, maybe not on a full time basis, but from time to time.  

For now I am content at traveling here and there, whenever I have extra time; write something about my experience from these travels, and post it on my blog (previously in WordPress but now I'm a full-fledged Steemian).

I believe God makes everything beautiful in His time, so I will hold on to my faith. My pursuit of happiness continues, until I can finally say "I am truly happy with my job!" 

There is a famous quote from Confucius that says:

This is a quote that I want to live by. Maybe, someday...

May the odds be in my favour!

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