Why are we so unhappy all the time?

[robrobrob]

Just having a job doesn't make someone happy. I think most people in the Burgh feel that they only have an okay job and not a great one. My guess is that in the other cities people are more satisfied with their careers. Not too mention the fact that it is rarely sunny here.

[PeterRabbit]

The black cloud doesn't just hang over Pittsburgh. Western PA, Eastern Ohio, and most of the Northeast is cloudy especially compared to the sunbelt. Everyone has to measure places according to their own pros and cons. I think our summers are awfully hot and humid but they're better to living where you have to be in with the air conditioning all season.

[Mugatu]

Originally Posted by PeterRabbit

I think our summers are awfully hot and humid but they're better to living where you have to be in with the air conditioning all season.

I never understood this complaint about Pittsburgh. Hot and humid as opposed to where? The West Coast? Ok, but what other major cities in the east or midwest have less hot and humid summers? I think the summers up here are wonderful.

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by COPANUT

I think the poster was referring to the fact that a big, red F plastered on a test paper that used to scare the hell out of students is no longer issued. Teachers now use a purple marker with a less offensive E.

We got red "E"s back in my day in Beaver Falls.

Originally Posted by Mugatu

I never understood this complaint about Pittsburgh. Hot and humid as opposed to where? The West Coast? Ok, but what other major cities in the east or midwest have less hot and humid summers? I think the summers up here are wonderful.

The averages in Minneapolis and Pittsburgh are almost identical, but Mpls is less humid. Chicago is a little warmer (not much), also less humid. There are probably others.

[Agbor]

I think that the culture in S.W. Pa. and Pittsburgh is complacent and routine which leads to boredom thus
unhappiness...If they feel they are in a routine ok job..as opposed if you don't like being in a routine and ok job do something about it...

Or it could be people are less civil and mannered now days and walk around looking evil..

[SeriousPosterIsSerious]

There's not a whole lot that most people can do about being in a crappy job these days. Those with jobs, despite how lousy, should be lucky to have them, seeing as how the rest of us are being laid off and let go left and right.

[bboy36win]

Originally Posted by SeriousPosterIsSerious

Those with jobs, despite how lousy, should be lucky to have them, seeing as how the rest of us are being laid off and let go left and right.

You know, funny you mention this. People tell me this often, and I hesitate to agree. I mean, when things are bad, as they are now that the unemployment rate has exceeded 8%, then 92% of people seeking work are employed. Bear in mind that a certain percentage of people are unemployed at all times, as the unemployment rate never reaches 100% ... even during times of economic expansion.

So, should a sharp guy with a masters degree who consistently outperforms average colleagues feel lucky to be employed when 92% of job seekers are employed?

Feel free to tell me if you think I'm crazy.

[lcatchpo]

You don't know what miserable is until you've been to Sacramento. It is suppose to be a happier place than Pittsburgh according to that list. I live directly between Sac and San Francisco and haven't met a friendly person in either city. I've had jobs in Pittsburgh that I thought weren't good until I worked here. There wasn't a day in the last year that I didn't have insults or objects hurled at me by the boss. I searched constantly for another job but was told by several coworkers that they had similar bosses before this and that's just the way it was. Thank God I've been laid off now and am headed back to Pittsburgh where the skies might be cloudier but the grass is greener!

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by bboy36win

You know, funny you mention this. People tell me this often, and I hesitate to agree. I mean, when things are bad, as they are now that the unemployment rate has exceeded 8%, then 92% of people seeking work are employed. Bear in mind that a certain percentage of people are unemployed at all times, as the unemployment rate never reaches 100% ... even during times of economic expansion.

So, should a sharp guy with a masters degree who consistently outperforms average colleagues feel lucky to be employed when 92% of job seekers are employed?

Feel free to tell me if you think I'm crazy.

Yes. I have two neighbors with a master's in physics who are currently unemployed.

[rubybelle]

Originally Posted by Mugatu

I never understood this complaint about Pittsburgh. Hot and humid as opposed to where? The West Coast? Ok, but what other major cities in the east or midwest have less hot and humid summers? I think the summers up here are wonderful.

I agree, I think the summers here are splendid!