Any life career that you choose in following your bliss – should be chosen with that sense that nobody can frighten me out of this thing – and no matter what happens, this is the validation of my life and action ‘ J Campbell
What drives you and your life?
My need for independence and space for myself drives me. I need work that pays for that independence. I finished university 2 years ago, and have been working in hospitality for almost a decade. I liked the interaction afforded by that industry but not the actual work as it was very repetitive I fell in with my current work now. I’ve always cared about the environment and climate change, and now am developing a real passion for it. I find it stimulating and challenging getting people on the same playing field. I’m on the path I want to be on. I believe the more emotionally stable you are – the more proactive you can be in your life. In the past I’ve not been as proactive as I could in my emotional life but now I feel internally stronger If I feel capable and strong – I feel I have a purpose and then I feel like I can control my life, I control the story instead of it controlling me. Woman S 28
And you?
A competitive nature. I like to come first in most things; sport, work and personal life – but not always getting the result that I want. In my personal life for instance my stubborn streak and my need to be right all the time is not always good. This true nature of competition is linked to feeling confident, and comes out with those who know me best, such as my partner, family and friends, with others I’m more reserved. The respect of my peers, both professional and personal, is also a strong driver for my actions.
Are you good at it?
Yes – mainly in the things I’m most passionate about, such as buying a house or playing football, or what I’m passionate about at work. These are like “core promises” to myself and linked to my own personal happiness. The other non-core issues I can let go.
Where does happiness fit in?
I see happiness linked to the non-financial intrinsic elements in my life – such as my personal home life, producing quality work being respected and admired by my peers. The other external financial trappings, like income, address etc are not highly valued by me – of course I’ve just bought a plasma TV! For me it’s about being a good person, responsible for my own happiness and life. I guess my sustaining life mantra – is that you make your own luck.
Is there a trade off?
There have been some cross roads in life where I’ve made decisions that did trade off elements. One road took me away from a personally advantageous work opportunity overseas because my partner’s happiness was more important. I imagine another “K” in a parallel universe living that life. In the end, though, I might have lost something but have gained so much more. Man K 29
