Money and Happiness

David Myers’ classic study of happiness found that
between 1960 and 1990 Americans’ income,
adjusted for inflation, doubled but the percentage
rating themselves very happy remained constant at 30%.

Does the relationship hold? Any study is merely
a photograph in time, from one perspective.
The more photos, the better we understand the picture.

Last year Science magazine (pp. 1829-37) reported on
a survey of 42,000 US scientists and their career satisfaction.
The scientists included professionals and postdocs in universities,
research facilities, medical facilities, and self-employment
settings. For all categories between 60% and 75% rated
themselves as “very satisfied.”

Average salaries ranged from 51K to 99K and there was
no relationship between income and satisfaction.
The exception was professionals in the highest paid group
(99K)--Pharmaceuticals. Only 22% were satisfied.
Overall those in academic and self-employed settings
were happier than those in industry (though industry had
higher salaries). As one respondent put it, “I can’t believe
they pay me to do what otherwise would be my hobby.”

Retirement ages are getting later and later. Among academics
almost 30% anticipated not retiring until 70 or older.

Would they choose a science career again? 70% said yes.
Why? To quote the article:
"A clear message from the respondents is 'love conquers all'…
following your bliss is the only sure way to be happy in the job, say
many of those surveyed."

QUOTES

Follow your bliss.
~Joseph Campbell

The mind is the source of all happiness and all misery
of both poverty and riches.
~Napoleon Hill

Adopting a child can bring you more happiness
than adopting a Cadillac.
~Melvin Durai

HUMOR

So you want to be happy, deliriously happy? Consider moving
to Nigeria. Nigerians are the happiest people in the world,
according to the World Values Survey. That doesn't surprise
me at all, because I keep receiving emails from Nigerians
eager to share their wealth with me.
~Melvin Durai

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THE DEFY AGING NEWSLETTER
Anti-Aging Psychology
Holistic Health and Wellness

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