Q #15: I hate my job and the feel used by my employers but have few other choices. How can I find joy in my work?
A: Since so many people find their work a necessary means to an end rather than something they love to do and happen to get paid for, I imagine many of us can relate to this one! In my own life, there have been work situations where I thought my job would ruin me.
I have a few thoughts on what to do when you're in a job you either despise or feel very unhappy in.
1. Remember who you ultimately serve in life.
Check out these words from Colossians 3:22-24. Paul's words are written to slaves, but seem to have all kinds of application for all kinds of employees!
"Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ."
You're not working for the restaurant or the boss that you feel disrespected by. You're not ultimately serving the company whose products you don't believe in. You're serving God in the work of your life. You owe it to him to bring the very best attitude and effort to him each day. This perspective alone can lift your entire way of looking at your work.
2. God has put you in the place you work to relate to other people and give you opportunities to share Christ with them.
When you're following Christ, you understand the top job in your life is to follow Jesus and look for opportunities to bring the good news to the people around you. Whether you're bussing tables, washing cars, or working in an office, no matter where you work--you have opportunities to treat others with love and be an example, even in dismal circumstances.
3. Make sure your time off is filled with people who lift you up.
I've been in some work situations where I felt like I was going crazy. Spend time with people who will point you God and who model a positive lifestyle of thankfulness to God. That may seem like filler, but when work is tough, it helps greatly to know and spend time with people who will help you regain perspective when you feel like your job is making you lose it.
4. Turn to God often.
Over and over in the scriptures, God is presented as one who bears our burdens, gives strength, and is a tower of refuge. He's a defender of the weak and the those who are oppressed. When you feel like your work is beating you, taking more from you than you have to give, turn to Jesus. He's the source of renewing life and ultimately the strength you need when you feel like you're falling apart.
Today, if you're wondering how to do more than survive in a job that's less than inspiring, take these four keys and open the door to a different perspective that will not necessarily change your job or your boss or the customers, but they will change you.
Check out more posts from the 31 Questions series on subjects as varied as marijuana, infidelity, 666, the eternal destiny of children who die, dealing with discouragement, cremation, co-habitation, baptism, suicide, prayer, the origins of scripture, hell and even speaking in tongues!