Does my job as a programmer make me less happy?

[idan]

Hi everyone.
I've recently got into mindfulness, being in the now, and self improvement, reading 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!

[JonW]

Hi Idan,
Welcome to the forum.
That's a very interesting question.
In order to answer the question, it would be useful if you supplied a few more details. For instance, do you have a daily mindfulness practice? If so, what does it generally consist of?
Tolle and Harris are both excellent writers but they're not writing about mindfulness per se. Have you tried reading any Jon Kabat-Zinn? Or maybe Finding Peace In A Frantic World by Mark Williams and Danny Penman? Those works would offer a firm grounding in mindfulness practice.
It's worth bearing in mind that Mindfulness doesn't fall into the category of self-improvement or self-help. Essentially it is a practice without a goal. We're not trying to get anywhere with mindfulness. We're learning to "be", right here where we are. That can often be confusing for people.
Anyway, it would be good to hear back from you.
Best wishes,
Jon, Hove

[idan]

Maybe I just posted in the wrong forum. You can say that I do have a goal, and that is to become happier.
I haven't read any book which focuses on mindfulness meditation. I have been practicing mindfulness meditation through my workplace, where guided mindfulness sessions were organized by the workplace to improve the workers' efficiency. Up until now there were a sessions a few times a week, and now were should continue practicing on our own.

[JonW]

If you were interested in getting a firmer grounding in mindfulness I'd highly recommend the Williams/Penman book which comes with a CD of guided meditations and takes you through an 8-week course.
It's something of a paradox that mindfulness practice will probably make you happier, but not if you strive for it.
Let us know how you get on.
Cheers,
Jon

[Gareth]

I don't really like my job either, but I don't have a great deal of choice about it at the moment.

For me mindfulness has meant that, to a larger extent, I only think about work when I'm at work rather than thinking about it when I'm at home, making the job a lot more tolerable.

Writing code shouldn't necessarily take you out of the present moment. Whether or not it is the right job for you is a different matter entirely.

[Gareth]

I don't really like my job either, but I don't have a great deal of choice about it at the moment.

For me mindfulness has meant that, to a larger extent, I only think about work when I'm at work rather than thinking about it when I'm at home, making the job a lot more tolerable.

Writing code shouldn't necessarily take you out of the present moment. Whether or not it is the right job for you is a different matter entirely.