Summary

The content suggests that people working in funeral homes exhibit an exceptional level of happiness, potentially due to the tranquil work environment, which contrasts with the common perception of Finland as the happiest nation.

Abstract

The article challenges the notion that Finland is the undisputed haven of happiness by presenting anecdotal evidence that funeral home workers are among the happiest people the author has encountered. This happiness is not attributed to the renowned Finnish social systems but rather to the peaceful nature of their workplace. The author recounts personal experiences from two different continents where interactions with funeral home staff revealed a consistent pattern of contentment and patience, even in typically stressful situations like fast-food lines. The key to their happiness, according to a conversation with a funeral home worker who is also a parent at the author's child's school, is the quiet atmosphere at work, which allows for reflection and appreciation of life's beauty without the usual pressures of customer service.

Opinions

The author suggests that the unwavering happiness of Finnish people might be exaggerated, as some Finns reportedly roll their eyes at the title of 'the happiest people in the world.'
Funeral home workers are portrayed as unusually cheerful and patient, even when facing minor inconveniences, such as delayed food orders.
The author implies a humorous connection between fast-food consumption and the need for funeral services, hinting at the irony of their close proximity.
The serene work environment of funeral homes, characterized by a lack of complaints and noise, is seen as a significant contributor to the workers' happiness.
The article posits that the opportunity for quiet contemplation during work hours can lead to a greater appreciation for life, thereby enhancing one's happiness.

BUT FINLAND IS ALSO A CONTENDER

The Happiest People in the World Work in Funeral Homes

And I’m throwing in their key to happiness — for FREE

They’re either Finnish or funeral home workers. Photo by Naassom Azevedo on Unsplash

They say the happiest people in the world live in Finland. They keep doing this survey just to make sure, but in 2024, it’s still Finland.

I’ve heard that the unbelievable level of happiness may be due to Finland’s superb medical care, it may be the stellar education, or it may be the extra vacation time… I’ve also heard that some Finns roll their eyes when they hear how happy they are. You can’t be expected to smile all the time. Sometimes you have to let that bitch face rest.

I’ve never been to Finland so I can’t weigh in on this conversation. All I know is that the happiest people I’ve ever met work in funeral homes.

On lunch breaks at college, I’d sometimes head to the McDonald’s across from the campus. This fast-food joint was right next to the funeral home and I often bumped into the staff there. While other customers were grinding their teeth in rush hour lines, the funeral home guys were cracking jokes like they were stand-up comedians. They never seemed to get mad if their order got pushed behind the others. They were never in a hurry. They waited for their orders with a smile on their face. What was their deal?

I thought it was just an anomaly.

But then, years later, I was a fast-food worker at this shoarma shop in Europe. Right across the street from us was — that’s correct — a funeral home. (It seems that there is a connection between these two places of business? Maybe it's just a subtle reminder that if you eat too much fast food, you could wind up at a funeral home…)

Except that it was a different country, a different language, and a different decade, these European funeral home guys could have been copied and pasted from my college days. They were laid back, patient, and always cracking jokes. And they never got mad if the shoarma guy forgot to add the order of fries to the sack — which actually happened quite a lot.

What’s with these dudes, I thought. How are you so happy?

Then, one day, while the kids were playing in the park, I see the mom of one of my son’s classmates. The mom sits down next to me and starts chatting. She has a bright friendly personality and the conversation steers towards her work. I come to find out — she works at a funeral home.

Now was my chance.

So, I ask, “How is it working at a funeral home every day? Is it sad?”

“Not at all,” she answers. “ — I mean you can’t be smiling all the time while you’re at work. But you know why I like it?” And then she gave me the key to all this happiness — for free:

“It’s sooo quiet.”

I let her words sink in.

They say working with the public is hard, and I can attest. But just think if your customer base never made any complaints or asked what was taking so long, or why you’re out of fries, or started throwing things in lines?

Just think if you had to work — maybe do something at the computer or answer phone calls — and in the background was complete and utter silence. You might then have time left over to contemplate all the reasons why life is such a beautiful thing.

Wow.

It suddenly became clear to me why funeral home workers are some of the happiest people in the world. …Now, I’ll have to move to Finland and pick their brains.

Who are the happiest people you know?