Title: Finding Happiness Behind the Wheel: The Story of Greg Ross
Subtitle: A Reflection on Priorities and Personal Fulfillment
In the 2007 film “Before Leaving,” two elderly men find solace and companionship in the face of illness and death. This poignant story mirrors the experiences of millions of individuals who reach the end of their lives regretting unfulfilled dreams. The film challenges the notion that success and happiness are solely tied to financial achievements and professional growth.
Greg Ross, an Australian baby boomer, had climbed the corporate ladder to become a CEO before reaching the age of 60. However, he found himself feeling burned out and detached from his own desires. It wasn’t until a plane ride to his uncle’s funeral that Ross confronted the emotional exhaustion he had long suppressed. Opening himself up to self-reflection, he decided to make a radical change: to become a truck driver.
In a society that reveres stability and financial success, Ross faced doubts from others and even himself. He questioned whether he was making the right choice and felt like a failure for abandoning a socially accepted definition of success. But he was determined to regain control over his life’s trajectory, and the lyrics of John Lennon’s “Watching the Wheels” reinforced his decision to break free from the monotonous routine.
Leaving behind his corporate life, Ross began a new chapter as a truck driver. Despite the long hours and physically demanding nature of the job, he found a newfound sense of freedom and contentment. Unlike his previous roles, driving a truck made him his own boss. At the end of each shift, Ross could simply turn the key and transfer responsibility to someone else.
Throughout his twelve years on the road, Ross rediscovered himself. He cultivated an appreciation for solitude and the power of introspection. He relished in the simple pleasure of his own company and developed a remarkable aptitude for deep thinking during his journeys. Ross’s story paints a picture of a man who has finally embraced his true self and found happiness in unexpected places.
Ross’s personal transformation extended beyond his career shift. He met Ann-Kristin, a German woman who would become his wife, at a Leonard Cohen concert. This serendipitous encounter led him down a path of love and fulfillment he had never anticipated. Ross’s outlook on life has been forever altered, and he now cherishes the freedom that comes with embracing one’s authentic self.
Ross’s story aligns with the findings of Jonathan Rauch, a researcher at the Brookings Institution, who argues that happiness increases after the age of 50. Rauch suggests that personal relationships and reduced focus on ambition and status play significant roles in this phenomenon. Older individuals experience less stress and regret, become better at regulating emotions, and prioritize meaningful connections over material achievements.
Greg Ross’s inspiring journey serves as a reminder that happiness is sometimes found by deviating from societal expectations and embracing the desires that truly bring fulfillment. His story is a testament to the transformative power of self-discovery, as he has further proven that it is never too late to embark on a new path towards personal satisfaction.