<p>I’ve drifted in and out of the meritocracy trap over the years, but mostly, I’ve stayed stuck in its sticky web. I quickly learned the value of good grades and securing better jobs. Once I landed a good job and the race to secure it was over, I descended into despair at the thought of doing it for the next forty years. Fast-forward a decade, and financial independence allowed me to sidestep the meritocracy trap. However, this too felt like another shiny merit badge. When I reached that point, I looked around and realized, like a bus rider stepping off at the wrong stop: <i>damn it—this isn’t it</i>.</p><p>Who would have thought you couldn't find happiness by looking for it?</p><p> </p><p>Support this project: <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clippingchains"><strong>Buy Me a Coffee</strong></a></p><p>Subscribe to the newsletter: <a href="https://clippingchains.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=697b31fe737ab9282f4ecbe7e&id=f2f2407031"><strong>SUBSCRIBE ME!</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3VRvhbe" target="_blank"><strong>Show Notes and Links at Clippingchains.com</strong></a></p>