The Foreign Service Journal, January 2007

solely on the basis of these findings. For one thing, some of the specific comments underscore the truth of the old Foreign Service cliché: Some peo- ple carry their unhappiness with them wherever they go. At the same time, other members of the Service seem to thrive, no matter how objectively miserable their work- ing or living conditions. Indeed, some people seek out hardship assignments because they enjoy the professional chal- lenges (or the rewards for enduring them, as the case may be), so they aren’t bothered by shortcomings that would turn off others. All that said, we hope we have provid- ed some useful information and perhaps suggested some issues that youmight not otherwise have considered as you pre- pare to bid on your next assignment. As always, we welcome your feed- back. C O V E R S T O R Y 36 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 7 Some comments underscore the old Foreign Service cliché: Some people carry their unhappiness with them wherever they go. Continued from page 33