“Americans put in 25% more hours [at work]than Europeans, take fewer vacation days and are retiring later,” states Dan Buettner in The Blue Zones of Happiness. That’s because “we get to keep a greater % of wages in comparison to Europeans who are heavily taxed.”
For example, the Danes are taxed anywhere from 42% (starting) to 68% for top earners. Thus, Danes are encouraged “to choose jobs that give them a greater chance of experiencing flow. With taxes claiming a big portion of their wages and ambition being frowned upon in their culture, there’s no personal advantage for them to seek higher paychecks or impressive titles.”
Ok, but we live and work in America. We aren’t going to tilt the culture on its side anytime soon, so what do we do to increase satisfaction and happiness in the workplace? Here are Buettner’s guidelines to workplace happiness:
1. Make a best friend at work. Have at least one meaningful relationship that transcends work and becomes a true friendship.
2. Seek a job that fits you (engages your natural talents, values and passions). Follow your heart vs. the paycheck. Work with people you like. Work in a place that gives you constant, meaningful feedback.
3. Consider your work hours. Take a vacation every year. Take up to six weeks to maximize work happiness.
4. Avoid long commutes - no more than 30 minutes.
5. Set goals (quarterly and annual; personal and work). Write them down. Monitor and track. Get an accountability partner.
In my world, sixty percent is passing. Anything below that is failure. That said, I am at 60%, barely passing. Of course, this is just one person's viewpoint, but this dude has done a lot of world research on this topic.
So, that leaves me to ponder. . .
I used to like teaching. In fact, I loved teaching. I used to pour my very heart and soul into it, working long hours because yes, I felt as though I had to, but also because I enjoyed the work (minus the grading). Teaching used to be fun. In addition to the curriculum work we did in class, there was also playfulness. I feel as though we laughed more; I laughed more. We had less meetings, more spontaneity, more creativity and latitude in coursework/assessment, and I felt honored, respected, and appreciated.
In the 29 years I have been at this (and yes, I realize I give that time marker quite often; it's mostly to remind ME of how much of my life has been spent in one endeavor), so much has changed. There is still fun in the classroom; it just looks way different. We still laugh, but kids are SO sensitive and anxiety-ridden that it can be very fun-sucking and certainly causes anxiety for me as a teacher (Did I say something offensive? When I touched the person's shoulder, do I need to worry? Will they sue me?). Other than that, it's all different. There is NO fun AT ALL with the staff. People don't participate in the fun stuff - they don't show up for celebrations, they don't want to hang out, they don't want to foster friendships. We are just silos that operate independently in a our rooms and go home. Likewise, there is no appreciation or respect for the staff. Sure, there is lip-service (we appreciate YOU; now, take this donut), but true appreciation and respect is measurable each day, not just special days on the calendar. The non-stop meetings, directives, deadlines. . .ridiculous decisions that are made FOR teachers without teacher input? All of those tell the true story of how teachers are regarded.
In considering all that, one should not be surprised to hear me say that teaching is no fun anymore, and I really don't like it anymore. That said, do the kids deserve better? I don't think the kids are suffering at all. They still get the best of me. Does the district deserve better? They already have/had the best of me, and they didn't/don't appreciate it. I have been their dish rag long enough - they have wrung every drop out of me. It's time for me to find a new sink - one of MY choosing.
I need to keep writing stuff like this to fortify me in my resolve. The more I remind myself, the less likely I am to drop back and retreat.
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