This man happens to be Swedish although he doesn't live in Sweden. We were at a party of mostly affluent Swedes when he made the comment.
He categorized "Predictable Misery" this way:
a) Those that only talk about their summer homes, boats, kids,etc.........nothing of substance.
b) He has tried to hire Swedes for his foreign company. Even though in his eyes they were not happy and wanted to make more money, they would rather be miserable in the life that they consistently complained about.
c) Being afraid of the obstacles, challenges and excitement of living outside of Sweden.
The safety net of social welfare in Sweden is appealing so maybe a more compelling and interesting life abroad is not worth the risk?
To be fair, there might be a little envy in his heart because:
1) He gets less vacation than the average Swede (5-6 weeks).
2) He has to perform in his job or he could be fired. In Sweden, it is very difficult to lose your job.
3) His wife desires to move back to Sweden.
"Predictable Misery" affects many people around the world not just in Sweden. I asked a good friend in New York City what he thought about the term. His answer put things in perspective.
He said, "So many people aren't POSITIVE about life".
What a shame.
Happy Gswede Sunday.
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I didn't see any "Predictable Misery" when I worked in Belgrade, Serbia for 2 months in 2005. A shot from my private party.
1 comment:
That's a great term but as you pointed out goes across country lines and ethnic groups as well. In the states we have the same, though it's more religion based, status when pertaining to the Black community, as whole, because by allowing a substandard existence (financial, circumstantial or by simply the accepting of second class citizenship) on earth in the concept of reaching a better place later "we" waste the most valuable gift the universe offers - time.
I adhere to the concept that happiness and a sense of well being is my individual RIGHT not some luck of the draw so I keep my eye on ball while pushing toward that goal, anything else is not living in my opinion.
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