[idan]

Hi everyone.
I've recently got into mindfulness, being in the now, and self improvement, reading the works of Ekhart Tolle and Sam harris.
I've realized that when I'm in my head, dwelling in my thoughts, I am less happy. Ironically, my job as a programmer requires me to do just that.
On the one hand, I've always considered myself as interested in things like programming and mathematics, which involve high level of thinking and problem solving.
On the other hand, as I am becoming aware of the power of the present moment, I am starting to ask myself the following question: will I be happier in a lower salary job, but which doesn't require me to dwell in my thought, and allows me to be more attentive to the present moment, for example, say, a beach lifeguard?
Thank you!

[Travelinglady]

Hi, idan, and welcome to Psych Central! I would think being in the moment all the time would be very draining. If you like being a programmer, and it pays well, then I think you should stick with that. I honestly think we can overanalyze things sometimes. My two cents' worth anyway.

[unaluna]

You have to be open to the present moment to see the solutions present themselves, imo. I retired from 30 years of programming 10 years ago, but i could still tell you about some solutions that just jumped out of my mouth. I also was instrumental in saving a life in our apartment swimming pool a couple of years ago (a third person then had to jump in and save me AND the original drowning person) - both occupations require you to be aggressive and thoughtful at the same time.