It's OK to be ordinary?

[thebeesknees123]

What do you think?

There is so much emphasis in life to achieve, to be successful, to earn a lot of money and have a fantastic career. What if you don't?

There is no celebration for being just a run of the mill person, who may be a good laugh, a good listener and a good friend with a happy family and enough money to pay the bills and some left over for fun.

My parents came from nothing and the way I was brought up was to have a career, earn good money and be successful. I do actually just have a really boring, unskilled job but it is not something I would like for my children. What is this hang up on success?

You can have a career, earn good money, be successful... and still be miserable and dissatisfied about your life.

Being contented with your lot is a far better way of life imo.

I think striving for a life of contentment and joy is way more important than some concept of success that you don't necessarily subscribe to. Having a good life, happy family, home and health is an enormous success in itself.

There are a lot of blogs about this topic. Here's one:

ontheroadtohappiness.org/breathe-a-sigh-of-relief-its-okay-to-be-ordinary/

It's not the most subtle way to drive traffic to your blog

Sadly, it's not mine. Wish it were!

Why wouldn’t you if you can do?
You’re making ‘ordinary’ sound like an underachievement. It’s not to me.
You’ll have to work anyway so work in a job that you enjoy, that earns well and that makes you feel successful, if you can.
Success is different for anyone. So strive for your own success.

Indeed. But what if circumstances don't allow that to happen? Eg caring responsibility, mental health issues, physical injury? Or just you realise the successful path didn't make you as you thought it would? Does that meanyou have failed in some way?

Of course it’s not a failing. Then your standards for success changes.
Maybe getting out of bed that day, having a shower and brushing your hair is success.
Or maybe it’s time to look for some work that can fit into your life.

I think happiness is the most important thing. Not everyone wants a high flying successful career. I don’t particularly. I’m doing a degree now in my 30s to qualify in an area I’ve worked as an assistant in for years. But I’m doing it because I’m passionate about that area, not to be successful (healthcare so will never be particularly well paid!).

It’s fine to be ordinary and have an ordinary life. That’s what most people have at the end of the day.

Yes, I agree OP. I think we're more likely to get annoyed by this stuff on Mumsnet, because Mumsnet itself seems to be populated by high-flying overachievers.

@SandrasAnnoyingFriend

It's not the most subtle way to drive traffic to your blog

Exactly that

I love Born Yesterday (to Sally Amis) by Philip Larkin on this topic.

@LlamaGiles yes, I really like that. I've not seen that poem be

Before