All the most interesting articles on happiness that I’ve read focus on a ‘flow state’ of fulfilment, rather than immediate gratification or pleasure. Long-term happiness seems to come from a broader sense of satisfaction rather than feeling good.

That, to me, explains the conflict between the drudgery and misery of domestic chores and the fuzzy joy of remembering your cute toddler.

One thing that stands out to me is that those lecturing us on materialism say that dying people “never say I wish I had spent more time at the office”. That much is true — overwork is, literally, a killer, and marriages to workaholics quickly deteriorate.

On the other hand, poverty is such a sure route to misery that we don’t need to feel dissuaded from applying for that promotion. So long as the role is one that will induce that meaning-and-purpose flow state, it could provide both security and lasting joy.

Just remember to call your family. :)