REASONABLY
HAPPY
ESSAYS ON MONEY, WORK AND OTHER THINGS THAT PISS ME OFF
Reasonably Happy is a collection of thought-provoking, funny, and sometimes touching essays about the sources of true fulfillment in life. As an early employee at Facebook, Paul Ollinger earned the millions of dollars he had long made his career goal. But like the dog that catches the car, the experience left him asking what, beyond money, he really wanted in life. In the 13 years since he left the social media giant, Ollinger has spent his time writing, podcasting, and performing stand-up comedy all over North America. His honest and often provocative material covers marriage, parenting, the importance of work, and why nobody needs a house with eight toilets. In addition to insights about work and money, Ollinger reflects on the lessons from COVID-19 and Quarantine. His essay “Your Only Goal is to Arrive” from April 2020 was read by almost a half-million people and received news coverage across the United States.
“Paul Ollinger’s new book, Reasonably Happy, is a fabulous blend of wit and wisdom. Paul is a genuinely funny writer yet what really recom- mends this book is one profound insight after another into our human- ity—how we love, work, spend, and sometimes just goof around. In a delightfully irreverent tone that never takes itself too seriously, each bite-sized chapter is a chance to reflect, grow, and—yes—laugh.”
BRIAN PORTNOY,
CFA, PhD, author The Geometry of Wealth
“Paul’s brainy, relatable comedy had me in stitches when I saw him on stage. In Reasonably Happy, he had me laughing out loud by the 4th sentence. His observations on money, work, and life are irreverent and truly delightful.”
DR. BRAD KLONTZ,
Author and TikTok Superstar @DrBradKlontz
“In Reasonably Happy, Paul Ollinger has done the exceptional, wrapping financial wisdom with humor, insight and rich storytelling. It serves as a fresh reminder that true wealth comes from balancing both your wallet and your well-being...and holding space for laughter.”
FARNOOSH TORABI,
Host of So Money and author of A Healthy State of Panic
