Alexander Kjerulf is a Chief Happiness Officer.  He believes that in order to be happy at work we should stop putting up with unhappy workplaces, bad bosses and unpleasant working conditions.   All in all, happiness is a choice that we make.  If you are unhappy at your work, do something about it.

Alexander Kjerulf, a.k.a. The Chief Happiness Officer, has published his Happy at Work Manifesto.

Simply stated, the manifesto is intended for anyone who is looking to be happy at work. In Alexander’s words, the declaration:

“Is for everyone who thinks we should stopped putting up with unhappy workplaces, bad bosses and unpleasant working conditions. It’s for those of us who know that unhappiness at work is not a minor annoyance; that it can make us despondent, cynical and negative and worst case, make us sick or kill us.

It’s a manifesto for people who want to be happy at work, to get more energy, drive, fun, good experiences, creativity, productivity and success. Who know that this is how we must work from now on – with happiness!”

The 25 principles and intentions contained in the document are all developed around one theme:

What you must know and do to make yourself happy at work.

Alexander’s advice is straightforward, and not too different from Penelope Trunk, the Brazen Careerist, who says:

“A job cannot make you happy, but it can save your life. People spend so much time looking for that perfect job, the perfect boss, the salary that will finally make them feel secure. But in fact, the impact a job can have on your life is overrated.”

Penelope doesn’t recommend 25 principles for finding happiness at work. Her advice is much more straightforward:

“What matters is feeling a part of a larger community, and a spirit of connection to the world.”

What’s similar about the advice these two are offering?

Simple: Happiness is a choice that we make.