Now this song is in your head, isn’t it?
I have been fortunate enough to travel around the world and do business with people from dozens of countries. Whenever I have that opportunity, I talk to them about their culture, finances, taxes, job prospects, etc. Each country has something unique to offer, whether it’s history, food, manufacturing, or natural resources. What many of them don’t have is opportunity for their citizens; and when opportunity does exist, it is typically limited because of social, economic, or political situations. After talking to those people, I always find something to envy about their way of life, but I wouldn’t trade places with them for anything, because above all else I cherish opportunity.
There’s no doubt in my mind that we live in the greatest country on earth. No other society affords so much opportunity to its people. Are we perfect? Not by any stretch of the imagination… but then again, nobody is. Our Declaration of Independence grants us certain unalienable rights: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. That document does not grant us happiness, only the ability to pursue our happiness. In reality, you are the only person that can control your happiness.
One Moore Thing: Stop looking for cues on your happiness from your employer, friends, or spouse. Take some time to figure out what will make you happy and be grateful that you have the opportunity to pursue that.