The Secret to a Fulfilled Life
It's Not What You Think
I was high school valedictorian, graduated with honors from UC Davis, have a Master’s in Creative Writing, and was recently given a promotion at my contract editing position. If anyone knows what it takes to feel fulfilled in life, it would be me. And trust me, it is not what you think.
The secret to fulfillment in life is…do not make yourself indispensable. Do not make your work so fantastic that you will be in high demand and everyone will want a piece of you. (This advice is meant for day jobs. It does not necessarily apply to writing or other forms of art. That is a different beast entirely.)
I know, this contradicts everything you have ever heard: work hard, make yourself stand out, get that promotion, etc. But let me tell you, it will not get you what you want in life. I know that you think it will get you attention, recognition, money, and opportunity, but what you really get are headaches, stomach aches, and more responsibilities than you’ll ever be able to realistically handle. And your social life? Forget about it. It’ll be dead in the water.
You might be wondering, how could I tell you not to make yourself indispensable when I’ve obviously spent my whole life doing just that? After all, I wouldn’t be where I am now without making myself indispensable: straight As, outstanding work, working when everyone else was off having fun…
Well, all that that work has gotten me has been a life unfulfilled. I’m still paying off student debts, I have no social life, my closest friends are online and my pets, and I’m working my way through the physical and mental effects of years of extreme stress. I made myself too indispensable starting early in my school years with not just my grades but also after school activities and volunteering, and this pattern continued with graduating with honors from UC Davis, making myself a standout (and cheap) freelancer, getting my Master’s degree, and now working myself exhausted for my new day job. It’s a habit that I can’t break, and it’s left me feeling empty inside.
So, what should you do instead of making yourself indispensable? Do a half-assed job and call it a day? When I had considered writing this for the Humor community, I had seriously (or humorously) considered saying that. But now that I am writing this for the Journal community, I have to say sincerely that that would be a bad idea as well. Instead, you must strike a balance between the two: be an average Joe.
I know, I know, that does not sound any more appealing than doing a half-assed job. After all, where are the promotions in being an average Joe? Where are the money and opportunities in that?
Well, that is exactly my point in this article: MONEY IS NOT EVERYTHING. Upward trajectory in social status and work is not everything. Yes, we want to be stable, and society would like us to think that we need to make ourselves indispensable at work in order for that to happen, but that is not always true. Even an average Joe is needed at work.
No, you will not get rich from this approach. You will not get that big corner office or your boss’s praise. Instead, you will be fulfilled in life. The attention that you will shift away from work will be shifted towards your family, social life, and health. You will no longer be seen as a workaholic or a modern-day Scrooge. You might even start to resolve some long-standing health issues as the stress starts to ease. Remember, it is not all about the money, no matter what society tries to tell you.
About the Creator
Stephanie Hoogstad
With a BA in English and MSc in Creative Writing, writing is my life. I have edited and ghost written for years with some published stories and poems of my own.
Learn more about me: thewritersscrapbin.com
Support my writing: Patreon
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Why I'm Taking A Week Off of Work
Let me start by explaining a little something about my day job: I am a contract editor for a medlegal company. That means that I am paid, by the hour, for the work that I do. I do not get any sick leave, any mental health leave, or any vacation time. If I do not work, I do not get paid; it’s as simple as that. It’s a bit annoying to not have the security of paid time off, but I do get to take time off when I need it so long as I let them know at least two weeks ahead of time for scheduling purposes. (And it’s easier for them to be more understanding when I tell them that I can’t complete an assignment because I have a huge migraine.)
By Stephanie Hoogstad2 months ago in Journal
Containers Fall From Ships During Storm Goretti, Raising Alarms Over Maritime Safety
Storm Goretti has left a trail of disruption across land and sea, but one of its most serious and less visible impacts unfolded far offshore. As violent winds and towering waves battered shipping routes, dozens of cargo containers were reported to have fallen from commercial vessels, reigniting global concerns about maritime safety, supply chain resilience, and environmental risks. A Storm That Tested the Seas Storm Goretti arrived with little mercy. Meteorological agencies warned of hurricane-force gusts, sudden pressure drops, and waves reaching dangerous heights. While coastal communities braced for flooding and transport chaos, cargo ships already at sea had no choice but to ride out the storm. Modern container ships are engineered to withstand rough weather, but Goretti proved unusually volatile. Rapid shifts in wind direction and wave patterns caused ships to roll violently, placing extreme stress on container stacks. In several confirmed incidents, lashings failed, stacks collapsed, and containers were swept overboard. What Happens When Containers Fall? A single container can weigh up to 30 tonnes when fully loaded. When dozens fall into the sea, the consequences are immediate and long-lasting. Some containers sink quickly, but others float just below the surface, becoming invisible hazards for fishing boats, ferries, and yachts. Maritime authorities issued navigation warnings after reports confirmed drifting debris along major shipping lanes. Beyond navigation risks, the contents of the containers pose another threat. While many carry consumer goods, others may hold chemicals, plastics, electronics, or industrial materials. When submerged, these items can leak, break apart, or disperse across marine ecosystems. Environmental Risks Beneath the Waves Environmental groups have raised serious concerns about the ecological impact. Lost containers often release microplastics, packaging materials, and synthetic fibers that persist in the ocean for decades. Marine animals can ingest debris or become entangled, leading to injury or death. Past incidents have shown how container spills can wash ashore months later, scattering household goods, footwear, and packaging across coastlines. Cleanup efforts are expensive, slow, and often incomplete, leaving local communities and wildlife to bear the long-term cost. Storm Goretti’s container losses have once again highlighted how extreme weather events amplify environmental vulnerabilities at sea. A Growing Problem in Global Shipping Container losses are not new, but their frequency appears to be rising. Experts point to several contributing factors: larger ships, higher container stacks, tighter shipping schedules, and increasingly severe weather linked to climate change. Modern mega-ships carry more containers than ever before, stacked higher to maximize efficiency. While this reduces transport costs, it also raises the center of gravity, making vessels more susceptible to rolling in extreme seas. Storm Goretti exposed how even well-equipped ships can be pushed beyond their limits when weather systems intensify faster than forecasts predict. Impact on Global Supply Chains The immediate loss of cargo disrupts supply chains already under strain. Businesses waiting for goods face delays, shortages, and insurance claims. Ports may experience congestion as damaged ships are rerouted for inspections or repairs. For smaller companies, a lost container can be financially devastating. Even with insurance, claims can take months to resolve, affecting cash flow and customer trust. In an interconnected global economy, what happens hundreds of miles offshore can ripple through markets, prices, and delivery timelines worldwide. Calls for Stronger Regulations In the aftermath of Storm Goretti, maritime safety experts are calling for stricter international standards. Proposals include improved container lashing systems, better real-time weather routing, and limits on stacking heights during storm seasons. Some argue that shipping schedules should allow more flexibility, enabling vessels to slow down or change course without financial penalties. Others emphasize the need for improved tracking technology so lost containers can be located and recovered more quickly. There are also renewed calls for transparency, as container losses are often underreported unless they pose immediate danger. Climate Change and the Future of Shipping Storm Goretti is part of a broader pattern. Scientists warn that warming oceans are fueling stronger and more unpredictable storms. As extreme weather becomes more common, shipping companies may face an uncomfortable choice: adapt rapidly or accept growing losses and risks. The shipping industry moves nearly 90% of global trade. Ensuring its safety is not just a commercial issue—it is a global priority. A Wake-Up Call at Sea Containers falling from ships during Storm Goretti serve as a stark reminder that even the most advanced global systems are vulnerable to nature’s force. What appears as an isolated maritime incident is, in reality, a complex challenge involving safety, environment, commerce, and climate resilience. As investigations continue, one thing is clear: storms like Goretti are no longer rare exceptions. They are becoming the new test of how prepared the world truly is for a changing climate—and whether lessons at sea will be learned before the next storm arrives.
By Fiaz Ahmed a day ago in Journal
Comments (2)
Everyone would be happier if they'd realize money doesn't equal happiness.
The first step toward happiness is realizing that it’s something internal to be developed rather than something external to be pursued.