At the last soccer game of the season, another mom mentioned how
happy my son was playing soccer. When his team scored, he jumped
up and down. His smile was visible during most of the game, and
his laughter was unmistakable. It made me happy to see that his
joy was so obvious since I work hard to provide a happy,
emotionally-supportive, healthy, structured environment for him.
According to a new study from University College London, my
happy kid has a better chance of financial success. Researchers
studied 15,000 kids and young adults, finding those who are
happier overall are more likely to get a degree, find work, and
earn more than their somber peers. The study shows, for example,
an increase in life satisfaction at 22 could equate to almost
$2,000 in higher earnings at the age of 29, even on top of other
influential factors on income. Money can't buy happiness, but
happiness may be the key to more money. More than one expert was
quick to point out that no one person can make another happy.
"Happiness is a