Money Magazine rated being a professor the 2nd best job around.
I think that the first must be an academic coach.
I can't think of anything I'd rather do than what I do.
Martin Seligman, father of the growing movement of positive psychology, and author of books like "Learned Optimism" and "Authentic Happiness," differentiates between having a job, a career and a mission. I know a few academics who feel that they are fulfilling a mission when they teach or conduct research (even though it may feel like they are doing a mere job when they attend department meetings or write a grant.) It is these fortunate, dedicated folks who find the greatest fulfillment and meaning in their work.
Interested in assessing your happiness and work/life satisfaction? There are many self-tests available on Marty's web site. I highly recommend taking some of the measures you'll find there and becoming more familiar with his work and the work of his colleagues. It is a view of psychology based on strengths rather than deficits.
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