Teaching is a way to Happiness

March 20 is celebrated as International Day of Happiness.

Teaching is a noble profession. It is a very interesting way to learn, to develop oneself, to help in the development of others, society, the country and the world. The contribution of teachers is tremendous, and any country that aspires to be a developed country needs to put a lot of emphasis on teachers and particularly the quality of teachers and the right kind of teaching policy, programs, content, infrastructure and so on and so forth.

Teaching has a very interesting contribution to teachers' lives. That is happiness. Teaching is an interesting way to happiness.

Teaching as a way to happiness

When done in the right way, both in letter and spirit, it is also a way to happiness.

The author has a simple definition of happiness, namely the right balance among giving, enjoying life and living a meaningful life. Teaching contributes to all three of these. Teaching is a great way of giving and helping others with the gift of knowledge and its applications. The teaching process is also a source of pure joy and enjoyment. Teaching also makes life meaningful as a teacher is contributing to the students and society at large, and it is a worthy purpose. Thus, teaching is a great way to happiness.

Challenges of the job

It is not that teaching profession is a bed of roses, and it is all good and great. Today, the profession of teaching is quite challenging and full of a lot of issues, such as a lack of respect for the profession and a lack of quality teachers. Lack of facilities, lack of right policy at times, lack of right remuneration or late salaries at times, the emerging challenge of AI and other technologies, lack of sufficient training and learning opportunities and so on and so forth. On top of it, academia is full of another level of politics, where it can be a big challenge to survive sometimes. However, one needs to look at the positive aspect of teaching and take this negative aspect in stride, keep moving, and in the long run, can overcome the challenges.

Teaching as a hobby for happiness

Since teaching has such a huge impact on happiness, others who are not teachers can also engage in it as a hobby or volunteer to teach others. One can start small, learn, update and be good at teaching and can help others to learn and improve. And while doing so, one can also reap the benefit of happiness.

Conclusion and takeaway for readers

Teaching is a noble profession. When pursued in the right way, it is also a way to happiness. By taking the challenges of the job in stride and staying focused on teaching in the right way, both in letter and spirit, one can enjoy it and also be a happier person.

Others who are not teachers can start it as a hobby and experience the excitement and happiness of teaching !

(This article is written by Dr. Rajesh K. Pillania, Professor, Management Development Institute, Gurgaon. This is an opinionated article; EPN has nothing to do with this editorial.)