How To Spend Your Money To Maximize Your Happiness | Hacker News Reader

How To Spend Your Money To Maximize Your Happiness

boston.com

17 pointskareemm10 comments

I wonder if the same research has any suggestions on how best to earn your money to maximize your happiness (or perhaps more pointendly not earn (as much) money to maximize your happiness).

Does an engaging work project count as an 'experience' in the same way as a restaurant meal or holiday?

Easy answer. Have you ever worked in a soul-crushing job for a lot of money? Imagine working for 60% of your salary in a job you're excited about.

Money is generally thought of as the be-all and end-all motivator in corporate America. Which is why people are baffled when others choose work that's more interesting and meaningful at a lower salary.

So, short answer: hells yes engaging work counts as an experience :)

“Just because money doesn’t buy happiness doesn’t mean money cannot buy happiness,” says Elizabeth Dunn

I think this is incorrect. The correct phrase, in my opinion, would be: money doesn't buy happiness, but it can prevent unhappiness.

Likewise, if the means through which you are earning money makes you unhappy, you're totally missing the point.

I think this is easy to explain scientifically. If one spends money on other people, those people will express genuine feelings of happiness. Seeing those facial expressions of happiness will activate 'mirror neurons' which in kind secrete dopamine. Afterward it simply becomes a feedback loop, ie: the more money you spend on people (different people), the more often you are happy.

Is this article a repeat from a few days ago, or does it just use the same clip art as the last article on the same subject? I remember vividly that awkward-looking guy, with the cheap-looking suit and tie, holding that pile of hundreds which aren't quite the right colour or texture to be real. He looks neither rich nor happy.

The best money I've spent lately was $20 for this cat. Food and litter's another $15-20 per month at the very most, and I have company even when I'm hacking at 4am.

Mine was free, the best birthday present I ever got. She's sitting next to me right now, giving moral support, just as she has every day for the past 13 years.

Unless you're allergic, a hacker should go to the humane society, pay the 50 bucks, and save a life. Don't worry which one to pick, they'll pick you. You'll always have company, and when you're out, they'll take care of themselves, always ready for you to return. Dogs are great too, but they need much more attention.

Given the number of people who are allergic to cats, getting a cat as a pet has always struck me as somewhat inconsiderate/antisocial. But maybe potential discomfort to guests is outweighed by the benefit you derive from having a cat.

I'm allergic to cats and I'm normally fine as long as I take a benadryl (or similar medicine) when I arrive so discomfort is minimal, and they spend a lot more time with the cat than I do so having a cat seems fine.

My hatred of cockroaches outweighs your allergy, sorry.

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