Why stay at a job you hate?

The older generation of basketball followers hates that players are able to choose their own destiny. Whether it’s Kevin Durant joining the Warriors or James Harden joining the Nets, some people will never like this type of move. I’m here to say, I’m all for it.

The counterargument is Damian Lillard who is projected to never leave Portland and will have a statue outside of the Moda Center (aka Rose Garden). Lillard will probably never win a ring in Portland but he seems happy in his situation. A city that loves him and he loves the city. Not everyone is built like that. I’d compare Lillard to a government worker who will never leave. Others (LeBron, KD, Harden, etc.) are like contractors who will bolt at the best opportunity and won’t think twice.

LeBron James was born in Akron, OH, and still left the Cleveland Cavaliers. Losing isn’t fun. If you have any ounce of drive or determination, you want to be good at what you do and (for lack of a better word) win. NBA analysts and Twitter were calling LeBron James weak for going to South Beach to play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. “He took the easy way out”. With all due respect, wouldn’t you? Why stay at a job and work twice as hard to reap no benefits? James was burning himself out to get those bums to the playoffs in Cleveland. The Cavaliers’ front office never provided Mr. James with help so he left. If you’re the only worker in your department and the company refuses to give you help, you’re not going to leave? OK.

When Kevin Durant left OKC for Golden State, he wanted to win and have fun. He didn’t enjoy playing basketball anymore. Imagine you wanted to work at Google. Five years later, the marvels of the company wear off and you no longer enjoy working there. Are you going to stay miserable or look for happiness elsewhere? What loyalty do you owe to Google? Not a damn thing because they would let you go in a heartbeat if times got rough.

Obviously, the money is completely different. Making five figures is a tad bit lower than seven, eight, or nine figures but what do parents want for their kids? Not money, fame, or fortune but happiness. I watched my twins laughing, playing outside with chalk and I almost cried. No matter how old they get, I’ll always want them to be that happy in whatever career path they choose.

Let the adults have fun and choose their destination. The world is better when you’re not angry and bitter. You can never put a price tag on happiness….. but affordable daycare would help though.