What Bhutan Taught Me About Career and Life

This past month in Nov, I checked off a decade-long dream: visiting Bhutan, a place I’ve been curious about ever since I first read about it over 10 years ago. Known as the happiest country in the world, Bhutan felt like a far-off aspiration when I was younger—both financially and in possibility. Back then, as a student and even in my early working years, the cost of a trip to Bhutan was more than a month’s salary. But that dream never truly faded, and this year, I finally made it happen.

In this final month of 2024, I want to share my reflections from Bhutan—not about the trip details (feel free to PM me or catch up over coffee for that!)—but about the lessons I learned and how they connect to our careers and lives.

1. Never Forget Your Original Intention (莫忘初衷)

Setting a goal, no matter how impossible it seems, is the first step toward making it a reality. When I first dreamed of Bhutan, it felt like a distant wish. Life moved on, the goal almost got forgotten, but deep down, it stayed with me.

In my recruitment and coaching experience, I’ve seen people surpass their wildest financial dreams—yet many forget the smaller, simpler wishes that once brought them joy. This reminds me of a key lesson from The Psychology of Money: the hardest thing is to stop moving the goalpost.

Take a moment to reflect: What were your goals as a teenager or young adult? Are they within reach now with your current resources? If so, have you pursued them—or have they been overshadowed by new ambitions?

“It’s not about having more; it’s about remembering why you wanted it in the first place.”

2. Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness: What Truly Matters

Bhutan doesn’t measure success by GDP but by Gross National Happiness (GNH)—a philosophy prioritizing well-being over economic gain. Here are a few fascinating aspects of Bhutan:

• Its constitution mandates that at least 60% of the country remains forested.
• Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world.
• Education and healthcare are free for its citizens.
• The government actively promotes mental and spiritual well-being as a core policy.

This brings up an essential question: What metrics are we using to measure success in our careers? Is it solely money, titles, or promotions?

While financial growth is important, it’s worth asking what we might be sacrificing in its pursuit. Time with loved ones, hobbies, health, or peace of mind? The answer isn’t about right or wrong, but about knowing what matters most to you.

“Happiness isn’t found in what we measure—it’s in what we treasure.”

3. Peace, Purpose, and Inner Happiness

Stepping into Bhutan felt like stepping into peace itself—its serene surroundings, temples at every corner, and the people’s gentle demeanor. Bhutanese people, despite earning an average of just USD 300/month, radiate joy and pride in their work and lives.

Their secret? Faith, meaning, and purpose. They don’t pray for material success but for peace—and through peace, they gain fulfillment.

As the world rushes toward automation and AI, Bhutan reminded me of the irreplaceable value of human connection. It’s a call to reflect: Do we feel inner peace in our day-to-day work? Do we measure our career success solely through performance reviews or through the love, growth, and satisfaction we feel?

“True success is finding peace in what you do, not just pride in what you’ve achieved.”

4. Lessons for the Season

As 2024 draws to a close, Bhutan’s philosophy offers a powerful reminder: Health, family, community, nature, and spirituality are timeless pillars of happiness.

In the hustle for material success, let’s not forget to recharge—not through endless scrolling on social media or comparing ourselves on LinkedIn, but by genuinely stepping away to connect with nature, loved ones, and ourselves.

Here are some questions for your December reflection:

• What brought you the most joy this year?
• How did you grow, personally or professionally?
• What do you truly want to prioritize in 2025?

Closing Note In Bhutan, happiness isn’t just measured—it’s felt, deeply and profoundly, in every connection, every shared smile, and every moment of peace.

For those who dream of visiting Bhutan, I highly recommend Bhutan Peaceful Tours & Treks , the agency that made my dream trip unforgettable. For my friends and readers, mention my name Traven Teng for a special deal (limited to the first 10). Feel free to reach out directly to the GM, Ashik Bajgai , for a personalized experience.

Let’s close 2024 with gratitude, reflection, and intention for what’s to come. Wishing you peace, purpose, and fulfillment!