Manuel Mendy Goldring

Working from home: Manuel Goldring pursues passions outside the office "I’ve learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life.'"

This quote from poet and activist Maya Angelou isn't the only one out there about finding happiness outside of a career. There are countless adages and proverbs touting the importance of a healthy worklife balance. A job is just a job. Work to live, but don't live to work. And the list goes on.

Yet, for Manuel Goldring, it's more than just cliches. It goes beyond motivational quotes printed onto a poster. For him, it's a philosophy to embrace. It's a way of life. After leaving a career in accounting behind, the New Jersey resident now fills his days pursuing only things that bring him joy. For Manuel Goldring, that's his family, his hobbies, and his love for technology.

Family has always been a priority, but that changed in March. With the birth of his first child, Manuel Goldring found an entirely new level of devotion. He finds a serenity and purpose in being a parent. Like any new father, it hasn't been without its struggles. Inadequate sleep and the full-time commitment are relentless, unyielding obstacles. Yet, the reward is worthwhile. He describes waking up each morning to his baby's smile as one of his greatest joys. He's learning as he goes. Despite the advice of others, he's finding that every child, including his own, is unique. There isn't a one-size-fits-all strategy. However, he is enjoying the journey. Each day he uncovers something new, exciting, and fulfilling.

In addition to settling into the new realities of being a parent, Manuel Goldring spends time exploring digital realms as well. Video games are his outlet, helping him to relax and decompress after a long day.

Ever since he was young, he has enjoyed playing video games. He gravitated to sports and racing games, like Madden and Forza, as a child because he was an avid fan in real life. He mostly played these with his brother. As an adult, his tastes have grown too. Now, he plays mostly first-person shooter entries.

His favorite, Escape from Tarkov, is a more sophisticated and challenging take on the genre when compared to more mainstream franchises.

Whenever Manuel Goldring isn't in his gaming chair, he finds a different seat. This one is out on the open road. Biking is another enduring hobby from his childhood. It began around 8 years old, when he would stroll around the suburbs on a cheap, box-store bike. Today, he cruises on a top-of-the-line Cannondale.

Yet, his bike isn't the only thing he's upgraded. When Manuel Goldring now hits the pavement, he pushes for longer excursions that give me the opportunity to consume the outdoors. Even when time is limited, he tries to regularly ride at least once a week.

But, it isn't all play. Just because Manuel Goldring understands the importance of prioritizing personal well-being, it doesn't mean it's all fun and games. He sinks just as much energy and effort into his career too. Despite graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University with both undergraduate and graduate degrees in accounting, he has since shifted careers. He is now studying for his IT certifications. Valuing his happiness, this field is much more in line with his other passions. Even as a child, Manuel Goldring recalls being the "go-to" when something needed to be fixed or put together. This continued into adulthood. Every gaming PC he uses is one he has built from scratch. As a parent, he is constantly looking for the latest technological innovations and gadgets to help. He's drawn to smart monitors and learning toys designed to enhance his baby's development.

Manuel Goldring will continue to put in the work. But, it won't be simply for a paycheck. He won't be chasing the next promotion. He will grind only for self-gratification. Family, health, and his passions will always take precedent. Above all else, happiness is the most important full-time job.