"Up to the ankles in blood"

Recently, I was a guest on a talk show and had the opportunity to speak about "my" topic. As an expert in joy at work, I am convinced that we should not allow ourselves too much frustration and unhappiness in the workplace. Instead, we should learn to create happy moments every day even under suboptimal conditions. Happiness is indeed a personal achievement and always has the quality of "nonetheless." We should not wait to be happy until one day everything around us is in order. Rather, we must enjoy our work even when we could equally have reason to complain. Ultimately, it is about self-management and the question of which factors in our lives we give power over ourselves and how free we are internally. There is a short video of my appearance on the talk show that I shared on social media. I was prepared for not everyone to agree with me. However, I was still surprised by how deep the bitterness about existing working conditions is for some people. Even those in highly qualified positions. It is understandable that it is harder to love your job when you are employed in a slaughterhouse at minimum wage and wading knee-deep in blood every day. But apparently, even well-educated people sitting in a well-maintained office experience similar frustrations. For example, one commentator wrote: "Happiness at work" - find the mistake! Others mentioned the "German bullying system" (whatever that may mean) or that work is slavery. And although I do not question the reasons for dissatisfaction and frustration, I still believe that everyone is responsible for their own happiness and can decide which factors in their lives they want to give power over themselves. Happiness is never constant; it can only be episodic. Fundamentally, every job gives us the opportunity for happy moments. It is up to us whether we seize these opportunities.