Success Happy

Is it possible to achieve PERFECT work/life balance?

Scenario: You have found your soulmate, you have the children and the house- even the car you always wanted( albeit an old one). But no matter how hard you try your working life is getting you down, you are unable to find the PERFECT job. Even becoming self employed hasn't helped. You may have guessed this is me. I am 34, a trained chef and unable to find happiness. How long do I wait or do I try harder? Suggestion welcome, but I don't think it is possible to strike it lucky on both work and home life.

Public Comments

1. Yes it is grasshopper.
2. I THINK YOUR EXPECTING TO MUCH. IF EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT ALL THE TIME, YOU WOULD SOON BE BORED. IT'S BECAUSE WE HAVE THE TIMES THAT ARE A LITTLE ROUGH, THAT WE APPRECIATE THE FEW MOMENTS WHEN THINGS ARE ACTUALLY PERFECT. THEY ARE RARE AND BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS, AND THOSE ARE THE ONES THAT MAKE ALL THE REST BEARABLE. SO KICK BACK AND RELAX A LITTLE, YOU AND PROBABLY EVERYONE AROUND YOU WILL BE A LOT HAPPIER.
3. yes no work and all life!
4. In this case, I don't think it's a matter of trying harder, but changing your perspective. If you've gone down one road... and know you've given it an honest effort and it still hasn't given you happiness, maybe it's time to change the road? I don't mean changing your job or career... but maybe change the way you view them. It sounds like you have a list in your hand... and you're checking off items to achieve this happiness. In my experience though, happiness doesn't come from the items you checked off, but the feeling of completion that follows after. I'll tell you... one of the best jobs I've had is also one of least skilled. I moved boxes in a warehouse when I was in college. In the morning I had a huge pile on my left, and by the end of the day, they'd all be on the other side. Looking at that finished pile just made me feel very good. My point is this. Maybe instead of looking at the larger items in your life (like "happiness", "perfect balance", or the "perfect job"), you want to concentrate on the smaller ones (like getting that pile of boxes from one side to another). Maybe you can make your wife's next b-day the most spectacular ever. Or make that car shine. I think eventually... achieving all these small rewards will generate that happiness you're looking for. Or maybe not. This is a big question... and something I've been trying to answer for myself as well.