On Jealousy, Schadenfreude, and FOMO

I hate that "jealous" has become a common response on social media to something good happening to another person.

Obviously it's meant to be harmless, but jealousy in and of itself implies a sense of envy, and truth be told, we've probably all been programmed for the word to be more than just a joke.

A couple months ago, I learned the word "Schadenfreude" from a sermon at church.  It basically means that your happiness stems from someone else's misfortune.  There were a few chuckles here and there throughout the congregation at this concept, but at a time when everyone is constantly comparing their lives to those they see on social media, it can easily become the norm.

I was in Kansas City for most of February for training, and every morning I'd stop by the hotel drugstore to pick up a couple snacks for breakfast.  It got to the point where the guy recognized me, and we would chat for a couple minutes before I had to scamper off to work.

We had some good conversations throughout my four weeks there, ranging from the Super Bowl to the folk music convention in town, and it was all pleasant until one day he pointed to an article in the local newspaper which mentioned that certain poorer areas of the city would get free Google Fiber.

My first reaction was that this would be a great thing for Kansas City.  But then I saw the outrage on his face and heard the anger in his voice as he complained about a situation that didn't even affect him personally at all.  It just made no sense to me -- why was he mad about it?  Or furthermore, why would he even care at all?

Maybe it's all an extension of FOMO.  Ironically, the oversaturation of social media in our lives has led us to be more inward focused instead of outward.  Don't let this happen to you.  Celebrate when good things happen to other people.  Sympathize when bad things happen to other people.  Let's spread love, not jealousy.

Deja Vu All Over Again

So far in 2016, it's been deja vu all over again.

This time last year, I was traveling from Houston to Denver to train with people whose jobs I was essentially taking over.  It was a sticky situation where I didn't want to step on anyone's toes, as those toes were soon officially losing their employment status.

Fast forward to today, and I am in the midst of my third week at my new company in Sugar Land, but they've sent me to Kansas City to train with people whose jobs I will essentially be taking over.  Yet another potentially awkward set of circumstances.

But in both instances, the people have just been so warm and welcoming.  Not that I had anything to do with the loss of their jobs in either case, but they could have just as easily seen me as the bad guy who's not only taking away their livelihoods but also forcing them to teach me how to do my job.

It's a delicate balance, and one where I am thankful to have met such resilient and big-hearted people at a time when our economy is anything but stable.  Thanks, humanity.

What are you willing to DIE for?

The title's a bit melodramatic, I know, but it's been on my mind ever since September 25th, when I watched EVEREST.  (It's hard for me to type that word without capitalizing every letter.)

I was visiting my brother in Kansas City, and we decided to go catch EVEREST after a day of overeating.  I think we had both read Into Thin Air before, but it had been at least a decade and a half for me, so the movie was quite the refresher.  Then after the credits rolled, we went home and looked up the different characters on Wikipedia for the rest of the night.

I'll try to avoid any spoilers, but it has always boggled my mind what people are willing to die for.  Obviously, nobody goes to EVEREST with the intent of losing their life, but you know the risk is there.

But to many, myself not included, the accomplishment is worth the risk, not to mention the money.  Maybe I'm just wired differently, but anytime I need that many layers of clothing and an oxygen tank, count me out.