Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing you will be successful. ~ Albert Schweitzer
From my point of view, truer words could not be said. I came across this quote yesterday as I updated our Desktop Gem collection and was astonished that I had never seen it before. But then I thought, maybe I had seen it but at the time was just not willing to accept the words into my head and my heart. Now I am ready.
I have noted before that I love working here; I enjoy helping people, I get to bring my dog to work and we laugh at least a little every day. What is not to love? Before this job I was a full time stay at home mom and before that a real estate appraiser for 10 years. Loved both of these jobs and both were right for my life at that time. But was I truly successful or happy?
As a real estate appraiser I thought of myself as ‘adequate’. I am not sure rock star real estate appraisers exist. I worked for a medium sized company and I was liked by the homeowners I visited. Then again, they were hoping for good news on their appraisal so maybe they just didn’t want to piss me off. Anyway, it was an interesting job and it helped me grow my self confidence. But I was not really sad to see it end.
As a mom, I like to think I am pretty successful. My kids are well adjusted, polite, and still speak to me. I count that as a success! I liked being a stay at home mom but when the kids both entered school full time I knew I would not be happy just being at home and decided it was time for a new adventure.
This job came into my life at just that moment, when I wasn’t even really looking. The Big Boss Lady wasn’t really looking for me either, so maybe that is why it worked out so well. I can honestly say that I am happy to come to work every day. Sadly, I know a lot of people who can’t say that about their jobs and that bums me out. I think I have found the elusive ‘key’. Hopefully I can help turn that happiness into future success and growth for the business. If not, I will still be happy…& successful!
~Suzi
CourageInStone 