Recently, I listened to a podcast about different “happiness patterns” in life. It divided people into three types:
①The Stability Seekers – people who feel happiest in a predictable, stable routine. This group is the majority (about 60–70%).
②The Variety Lovers – people who enjoy constant change and new experiences. Roughly 20%.
③The Challengers – people who aim for the top, trying to change society itself. Think of entrepreneurs like Elon Musk or Son Masayoshi.
Of course, there are many shades between these categories, but it made me reflect on where I belong.
My siblings fit into the first type. They live in our hometown, married locally, and are happy in the same community they grew up in. For me, that path felt limiting. I moved to Tokyo for university, and even though I struggled during job hunting and returned home, I later backpacked through 40+ countries and now live a nomadic lifestyle between Japan and Southeast Asia.
Most of the people I connect with today—through Upwork, LinkedIn, or at meetups—are those who’ve studied abroad, worked overseas, or embraced a nomadic life. Compared to them, conversations with my old hometown friends feel more distant.
Still, I know I’m not the third type. I don’t dream of being #1 in the world or becoming a billionaire. I’ve met Japanese billionaires, and I simply can’t imagine living that kind of life. I love variety and exploration, but I’m not driven by the ambition to dominate an industry.
By our early 30s, many of us realize which type of life makes us happiest. None of these paths are “better” or “worse.” What matters is knowing what brings you joy—and recognizing that someone else’s definition of happiness may not be the same as yours.
👉 Which type resonates with you—1, 2, or 3?
