Maybe I Should Have Been a Lumberjack

We all have days when our mind wanders to the alternative careers we imagined in our youth. What child hasn’t hoisted a too heavy axe and thought, “I could be a lumberjack!” And, what adult hasn’t though maybe I should have been a lumberjack? Some new data suggests that inner kid was right, and maybe we are figuring out why.

According to the American Time Use Survey, lumberjacks perform the happiest, most meaningful work. The Survey is an annual look at what gives Americans happiness, meaning, and stress. The Washington Post summarizes the recent report with a focus on careers, activities, and locations. For example, among careers, doctors rank high on meaning but also high on stress and have an average level of happiness—I agree.

A common denominator of the report—including why lumberjacks and tour guides are so happy—is that more time spent outdoors is correlated with greater happiness and meaning. Being outside (and engaging in religious activities) are most associated with meaning and happiness. This got me thinking.

In our new work-from-anywhere world, we have new opportunities to make choices. While I’m not likely to pop open my laptop at church, I wouldn’t mind logging on from a park, especially if they had good wifi. The new flexibility of working maybe means on office in nature could be possible. 

Not all work can happen in nature. I can’t see patients in the woods (can’t I?). But, I can read, write, and do other tasks in nature and maybe that might help my wellbeing. Maybe a similar choice might help yours.

And, while I don’t think I’ll ever be a lumberjack, maybe I can move a little closer to that dream.