Hi Arswino, it is a dilemma that it a difficult part of starting your own business. My hope, with this site, is that entrepreneur’s read these articles and try to make their company culture so much fun that they keep their employees for years and years, growing the business together.

I think it is a dilemma. In one side, we want to start our own business, and on the other side, when our business is running, we expect that our employees are satisfied and happy working with us and don’t want them to resign to start their own business too.

Thanks for the review.

I agree, “Working for yourself is not for everyone.”. Although we have our own business, there are times when I wish I had a steady paycheck coming in. But, all in all, self employment does have some awesome benefits.

Hi Lance, our work environment and how we interact with it determines a lot of our happiness. When we figure out how to optimize every situation, we have won a huge mental battle.

Hi Tom, I’m going to ride it as far and as long as I can because I love every minute of it.

Hi Laurie, happy at work should never be a bonus – it’s mandatory.

Hi Positively, the book is well worth your time.

Hi J.D., prosumer creating is a great technique. I hope more companies try this style of business.

> Do they really care about what I think, and if they do then why don’t they ask for my opinion?
This problem shows up in software too. People ship things that nobody wants. One of the practices our group uses is “customer-connected engineering.” It includes the customer throughout the cycle so they actually shape the result. It sounds like common sense, but it’s not necessarily pervasive. I think more people are moving to prosumer models where the producer pairs with the consumer.

Thanks for the book recommendation; I’m going to check it out.

Being happy at work shouldn’t be a bonus – it should be the the expected culture. You’re doing a great job communicating this – keep pushing for happy.

I’ve just begun poking into Pam’s book but from what I’ve read so far it’s a winner. It’s an extremely thorough guide to all the decisions a would-be entrepreneur is faced with. Her book contains many excellent questions for deep consideration so that one can make his or her move with forethought and confidence.

Many of us spend a good chunk of our time working. Whether this is for ourselves, or for someone else – a key point is that we should enjoy it. And that’s not just the work, it’s the environment also. Pam’s book sounds like a good one to check out, thanks much for pointing me there! And I think this fits so well with what you’re discussing here, Karl, the whole concept of work and being happy.

And thank you for the link and kind words – it’s all very much appreciated!

Here’s to working happy!