5 Jobs That Bring the Most Happiness

All of us would like to believe that somehow, someday, we will end up with a job we love.  There are those lucky few who have them now.  And by and large, it’s difficult to pinpoint specific occupations that bring the most happiness because different types of jobs make different people happy.  For example, some people can find no greater joy in life than becoming a teacher, while others wouldn’t have the first clue how to entertain and teach a classroom full of children.  And there are individuals who would love nothing more than to jump out of an airplane every day strapped to someone’s back (whereas most of us wouldn’t go near tandem skydiving no matter how much it was paying).  The point is, happiness in a profession can depend largely on the person.  However, there are a few jobs that just about anyone can enjoy, so check the list and see if there are any that could offer you a chance at occupational happiness before you perform that job search.

1.       Food critic.  Who wouldn’t love to get paid to enjoy cuisine of their choice and rate it?  Restaurants treat you like a king and cater to you like you’re a celebrity.  You always get a table right away, no matter how long the waiting list is, and the chef serves you the absolute best dishes he/she has to offer.  Plus, you’ve got to eat, right?

2.       Eco-employee.  Working to make the world a greener place not only gives you a noble purpose, but in many cases you are also working to produce something of value that has a strong basis in problem-solving and technology.  As such, it is an exciting time to be laboring on behalf of the health of our planet.  And most people who choose this field enjoy a strong sense of purpose and of working for the greater good, which is pretty satisfying.

3.       Clergy members.  A huge part of enjoying one’s occupation revolves around a feeling of purpose, and joining the clergy definitely requires this trait.  In addition, the ability to help others by spreading the word of God and the tenets of faith is a constant reminder of the commitment to a higher calling, and the unseen power that can change people’s lives for the better.

4.       Architect.  The ability to create something tangible cannot be overestimated.  So many people plug away at boring desk jobs hour after hour, day after day, and so on, with nothing to show for it at the end except a paycheck.  Architects, on the other hand, are responsible for creating a beautiful symbiosis of technical structure and artistic aesthetics; they create the spaces that house people’s lives.

5.       Stay home mom (or dad).  Okay, this isn’t really a job, but it might as well be for all the hours you put in.  There are few things in life more fulfilling than watching your children grow and helping them to transform into fully functioning members of society.  In the early part of the 20^th century, they called this concept “Republican Motherhood”.  Today, we just call it parenting, and if you’re looking for a way to spend your days that is full of joy, this could be a worthwhile way to occupy your time.

Guest bio: Carol Montrose writes for Just Jobs where you can find the perfect job in your area.

Comments

[Mary]

These are all great jobs, but I think that it is important to remember to be happy No MATTER WHAT situation you are in. And the “what” that comes up is sometimes really scary and threatening. The car breaks down. A huge bill comes in the mail. The relationship breaks down. Sickness visits my home and my family. My heart is hurt by someone I love and trusted.

The power in those three words is tangible. It picks me up and puts me back on track.

And the incredible thing about those words are – once I decide no matter what that I will not be defeated – God rushes in to help me fulfill my dreams.

[maybenot]

Actually, legitimate food critics do not identify themselves as such in restaurants, and any food critic who allows the type of special treatment you describe violates the major tenets outlined for professional food critics. Furthermore, the vast majority of architects work on projects that are not necessarily rewarding in the way you describe, and this is a very hard hit sector in the current economy.
I appreciate your attempts to discuss happy jobs, but you might want to do your job and actually research these a bit.

[Andrew G. Rosen]

You make your own happiness, friends.