Quote:
Originally Posted by ratbastid
Here's the thing about people with all the exterior signs of "success"--there's NO freedom for them in that. They're always compensating for something, and the more they compensate, the bigger that thing they're compensating for gets. They HAVE to succeed. They're DRIVEN to succeed, and COMPLETELY out of control about it, and they're TERRIFIED about what would happen if they didn't succeed. :snip:
I measure my success by the difference I make for others. And I create specific games for myself to play that are designed to make a difference and have specific, measurable outcomes.
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Nice
I've been on all sides of this equation at one time or another during my lifetime. Happiness hasn't a thing to do with a prestigious occupation or the car you can drive.
I've switched occupations several times over the years, trying to find my own place of happiness. At my tender age, I plan to be back in school before the end of this year so that I can do what I've always wanted to do.
When I was married and had a good-paying "career", everyone though I was so happy and successful. My ex and I were expert at our roles because we were able to accomplish what we thought we were supposed to achieve. Truth is, we were both utterly miserable.
I finally was able to recently purchase a home, but my purpose is to have an investment to leave for my children. I have had many weeks where I had to ask my daughter to limit how much milk she drank in a day because I couldn't afford another gallon.
Am I successful? I think so. I've done a fine job of raising my girls to be strong, independent and respectful young ladies. I'm loved by the three of them and a wonderful man. My parents view me as successful, because they're proud of the job I've done with my children. Although I don't have much materialistically, I give as much as I can of myself.
These are the things that matter. Your question should be rephrased.
How much money would make me successful? 