I was never happier than the summers I spent as a lifeguard and camp counselor at my local summer camp. Sure, it was hot, the kids were loud, the mosquitoes bites itched like crazy…but, man, life was great.

I was recently reading an article in the Harvard Business Review which outlined why, although it seems odd at first, the people who are happiest in their jobs often feel that way because they don’t have it easy on the job.

Take, for example, the teacher at an inner-city, disadvantaged school. The neighborhood may be dangerous, the students might be far more impolite and unruly – but the feeling that teacher gets when one of their students becomes the first person (Ever) in their family to go to college…can you even imagine?

For people who work in situations like that, happiness comes from a feeling that they are making a difference.

Working at a summer camp for long hours, at minimal pay – doesn’t sound ideal but, for me, it brought me happiness. I could see the smiles on the faces of the kids as they swam in a lake for the first time, or as they learned how to paddle a canoe all by themselves. I could tell I was making a difference.

The article also made the point that people who work in cushy jobs tend to invent problems. The long line at Starbucks in the morning is a HUGE deal to you when you’ve got nothing better to worry about. But it’s hard to complain about life’s little annoyances when you face truly important problems that are larger than you. Go ahead – find a member of the Peace Corps and just try to compare “problems” with them. Being in intense situations/work environments lead you to form stronger bonds with coworkers and foster a sense of belonging that, ultimately, contributes to your overall sense of happiness.

So, the next time you get really angry that the copier is out of paper…stop and think. What can you do to deepen your engagement with your job? Maybe try trading some comfort for some happiness. You’ll be glad you did.