Skip to main content

Can You Really Be Happy at Work?

If a coworker ever asks, “Are you happy right now?” — maybe that’s more than just small talk.

Maybe it’s a sign they respect your work. Maybe it’s their way of saying,

“You deserve better.”

If that’s true, maybe happiness at work isn’t just possible — maybe it’s something we earn through how we grow and how we’re seen.

But let’s be honest: how many people can confidently say, “Yes, I’m happy with what I do and where I work”?

And even if they say yes, how many can explain why — clearly, right then and there?

Probably not many. (Even some CEOs might struggle with that question too, to be honest.)

So... does that mean workplace happiness is out of reach?

I still remember my first job interview.

Near the end, the CEO asked if I had any final questions.
Without thinking too much, I said,

“Are you happy right now?”

Looking back, it was kind of a ridiculous thing to ask.
But somehow, that question stuck with him.

I got the job — and I ended up spending the first five years of my career at that company.

His answer was simple, but powerful:

“Yes, I’m very happy. 
Because I’m working toward a vision I believe in, with a team I trust and respect.”

That stayed with me. It made me want to be part of that mission.
And I was — fully. I gave it everything I had.
Leaving the company came much later, and for different reasons.

I don’t think there’s one fixed definition of happiness at work.
But I do think it looks something like this:

  • Feeling seen and valued by your peers and leaders
  • Producing meaningful results, but also having your potential recognized — even the things that aren’t easy to measure
  • Having the space to fail and succeed — and getting feedback that helps you grow

It’s a delicate balance.
And sure, it won’t last forever. The balance shifts. Things break.

But for a while, when it’s there, you know it.
And that moment — that stretch of time — might just be what happiness at work feels like.

Labels:
Location: 대한민국 서울특별시

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Transitioning to a Product Owner in Korea (Closer to a Product Manager in the US)

At the start of every new year, people take a moment to reflect on the past. Looking back, 2022 wasn’t just another year for me—it was a turning point . It was the year I: 📌 Hit my mid-30s 📌 Became a parent 📌 Made a major career shift 📌 Started a new job as a Product Owner On a personal level, welcoming my child was by far the biggest blessing. But career-wise? Despite feeling “too late” to switch paths, I fully transitioned into a Product Owner role—and it was one of the best moves I’ve made. But before I get into how it happened, there’s something important to clear up about Product Management in Korea vs. the US . PO vs. PM in Korea – Why It’s Different 💡 If you’re used to the way Product Management works in the US, you might find Korea’s definitions confusing. In Korea: ✔ Product Owner (PO) = more like a Product Manager (PM) in the US ✔ Product Manager (PM) = more like a Product Owner (PO) in the US Why? 👉 The first major Korean company to adopt Agile accidentally switched th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Toss: The Trendsetter Shaping Korea’s Tech Landscape

Toss: The Trendsetter Shaping Korea’s Tech Landscape In Korea’s fast-moving tech ecosystem, Toss has become a company that sets the standard. From its pioneering approach to product management to its unique UX writing philosophy , Toss has influenced how many Korean companies operate. But what makes Toss stand out isn’t just its financial services—it’s the way the company builds products, manages teams, and scales its business . Let’s break down how Toss is reshaping Korea’s tech industry . The Visionary Leadership of Lee Seung-gun At the center of Toss’s success is Lee Seung-gun , founder and CEO of Viva Republica (Toss’s parent company). His story is one of persistence and bold innovation . Before Toss, Lee experienced eight startup failures over six years before finally launching his ninth business idea , which became Korea’s first successful peer-to-peer money transfer service . A Global Vision for Toss As of February 2025 , Toss is aiming for foreign nationals ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Most Commonly Used Product Design Tools in Korea

When it comes to product design in Korea, one tool dominates the scene: Figma. While some teams still use Adobe XD or other alternatives, the industry is shifting toward tools that offer seamless collaboration, prototyping, and design workflows . But there’s a new player in town— Framer . In this post, we’ll break down the most commonly used product design tools in Korea, the emerging trends, and how product teams are adapting. Figma: The Industry Standard If you’re working in a Korean tech company, there’s a 90% chance your team is using Figma. Why? ✅ Cloud-based collaboration – No more file versioning nightmares ✅ Real-time co-editing – Designers, PMs, and engineers can work together ✅ Built-in prototyping – Many teams now use Figma for both UI/UX design and prototyping Figma has become the go-to tool for design teams looking for speed, flexibility, and team collaboration . 💡 Check out Figma here . Adobe XD: Slowly Fading Out At one point...
Post a Comment
Read more