May 14, 2025- SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE PAGE! We have discussed a number of times the importance of seeking new employment when one is dissatisfied with their work and recognizing the importance of work for a person’s self-image and life satisfaction. I would not change the importance of having a job that is fulfilling. The problem is when people are in a situation where they cannot change their job and they need it for income, health insurance and various other reasons. Reasons may be a lack of ability to move, lack of needed education or experience, working in an environment where there is little room for promotion or simply that the job is not fulfilling to the person. The situation is very common. A recent poll shows that over 50% of workers have dissatisfaction with their work and another report found that 30% would like to change their jobs. My view is that this is an unfortunate but not hopeless situation when you have dissatisfaction with your work. To me this shows a need to look at your whole life and determine where you are going to find happiness. Even if we recognize that one sleeps maybe eight hours a day and works 40 hours a week, there are still a number of free hours in the 168 hours that make up a seven day week. When one has job dissatisfaction, and we know this is common with half the people in the country, then utilizing free time becomes even more important to find happiness. This is the time to expand on the enjoyment of hobbies, spiritual growth as desired, family activities, leisure activities, music, gaming, favorite TV watching, volunteering, and whatever other activities persons might find enjoyable and bring them happiness. It also is important to put perspective on the fact one needs a job to survive and to pay for what is necessary and desired in life. Persons also still have the opportunity to try to see if there is a way for them to find work functions where they work that would be more satisfying. A different view and attitude about the job might also be helpful. The critical goal is not to be constantly thinking about the dissatisfaction of the job, but to be finding ways to make their overall lives more exciting, enjoyable and happy through unleashed utilization of their free time. If one finds this very difficult to do, seeking out an experienced therapist who has worked with persons with job dissatisfaction may be helpful to give them perspective and a better chance for happiness in their lives in spite of job dissatisfaction.

May 6, 2025- We have talked many times about the importance of living in the now and not allowing the past to control the present as well as excessive worrying about the future. With that said, present happiness on a daily basis is greatly enhanced when someone has a plan for the future. Whether the planning relates to economics, romance, professional development, specific career choice, better relationships with people or whatever the plan might be for the future. The point is when people are planning for the future and see successes on a daily basis leading to whatever goals they desire to accomplish, then daily happiness is greatly enhanced. The problem with people that worry all the time or do not plan for the future is that there is no certainty in their lives. They could live day-to-day with a certain level of happiness, but their moods can drift like a dry leaf in the wind when bad or unexpected things happen. Future planning is critical in an age that Social Security is not seen as guaranteed income in the future by many financial experts, retirement plans no longer have for the most part guaranteed pensions when you retire, and inflation is seen these days on a daily basis eroding the value of one’s savings and earnings. My point is not to be negative, but to indicate one must plan taking into account the realities of a constantly shifting and changing world. Changes have always taken place, but obviously the importance for those of us living at this particular time is that we make choices based on good planning for our lifespace. One example of poor planning in a university town like East Lansing is where many people get degrees in areas with very few job opportunities. One may enjoy the period they are learning something about ancient archaeology or some other area that has little job opportunity, but in the long run, there is going to be little happiness if one has huge debt and is not able to obtain a good job and be able to have the type things that people desire. These would include a home, a nice car,vacations,eating out,job opportunities and some form of a family that often includes a loving spouse and children. When one hears what we are discussing today, it seems very simple. The problem is so many persons who find themselves mired in anxiety, depression, debt, bad job opportunities, and poor relationships are often the result of poor planning and simply living day-to-day and not making good decisions for the future. When one makes good decisions for the future, they see the progress along the way, and there is a level of stability and happiness in themselves that is reflected in the success in their lives. It also can lead to a person being able to sacrifice in the present with the recognition that the sacrifices will lead to a much better life in the future. My father always told me that if you prepare the first 10 years after high school, the rest of your life will be so much easier. He was right and I give that same advice to persons I encounter in my work and in life.

April 22, 2025- Dr Braccio & Mike Austin of 1320 AM discuss CAN PEOPLE REALLY CHANGE? SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE PAGE