Should You Ever Stop Striving for More? (and just be happy where you are...)

A great question popped up on a LinkedIn group I read and follow:

Should you ever stop striving for more and just be happy where you are?

The conversation drew responses like wildfire. Many of the respondents are young working women at the beginning or middle of careers.  A great portion of these responses the young women indicate with enthusiasm they have no intention of losing their stride, ever looking for something more. Many say they are always looking for a way to improve their lot, move up and better their position.

There are some --both the young and some older women-- who answered from a little different angle; they feel happy where they are, but only because they continue to learn something on a regular basis. They have otherwise reached a career impasse.

A very few answered from the other side of the spectrum. They do not necessarily link their happy state with their ability to be upwardly mobile. Indeed, in this economy, some need to find their happiness in a static place, "bloom where you're planted," so to speak.

Finding happiness ("more?") only in an upward motion could be an effort in futility (bang head here) depending on where you live, what field you are in, and your age, among other factors.

As a woman getting up there past middle age, I am becoming aware I will likely not fulfill the dream I once had using the skill set I acquired through my education. But it doesn't stop me from trying new things---like this blog--- or pursuing other outlets which bring me happiness. I'm discovering my job does not define me at this point in my life. I've been there and done that. But what does define me is how I express myself, and what I do with my life outside of my job. Those things bring me happiness now. "More" might be learning a new skill or passing on a skill to someone else. "More" might mean branching out and doing something out of my comfort zone.

So....I guess in one sense, I can say that although I feel I've settled in my job, I have not stopped striving for happiness, if that's what "more" means.

Man, it's been a While! How do you celebrate?

Wow, I need to get my blog groove back on! Kenlie, over at All the Weigh (Friend Makin' Monday), has inspired me to get my writing act back together. Here is a short post just to get my blood coursing again:

How Do You Celebrate?

1. When is your birthday?  October 9

2.  Do you like to celebrate it or do you prefer to keep it quiet?  I love my birthday. I usually try to take the day off and do something special, sometimes alone, sometimes with someone special. As it is usually gorgeous Indian Summer, I typically visit a nice garden or outdoor place where I can just enjoy being a year older and wiser. [cough]

3. Have you ever had a surprise party?  No! And I do not want one----ever.

4. What sign are you?  Does it represent you well?  I am a Libra poster child. Indecisive, flaky, artsy-fartsy in theory, but not in the actual follow-through.

5.  Do you tell the truth about your age?  Yep, if you have the nerve to ask me, I'll tell ya.

6.  Share your best birthday memory.  At my age, I'm lucky if I remember last year's. It was very nice---my wonderful SO (hate that....I'm going to start using "novio") and I traveled to a resort town with a Bavarian theme. We drank beer, ate sausage and enjoyed the scenery from a hot tub.

7.  Share a few items that could be on your birthday wishlist.  A deep tissue massage, a day to myself to do nothing (I guess I could give myself permission to do that anytime), a gift certificate to an art class.

8.  What is your favorite kind of cake?  Any cake without the word "cheese" in it.  I know, I know. But it's the ONE confection I do not like. Gimme a break. I love chocolate cake with vanilla frosting.

9.  If you could be anywhere on your next birthday, where would you be?  Hey, I'd take an all-expense paid trip to any Mediterranean island---I'm not picky.

10.  Do you make a wish when you blow out the candles?  Until it's proven folly, I always will.

So...how do YOU celebrate? Does it just happen upon you, or do you plan it? Answer the questions above, then come back and post here!