Stressed @ work

Look to work to give no more than it can

Dear fellow good workers,

What does your work do for you? What does it give to you? 

Recently, I listened to a sermon on singleness by Tim Keller and in it, he said a good marriage can be an idol when you have a partner that is so good you begin to look to them to meet all your needs. When I heard that, I wondered if the same could be true about a good job. When we look to have a perfect work experience, are we looking to our work to meet all our needs? 

What happens if you do have the perfect job? Will your life be good then?

Last year, I was incredibly stressed out at work. I didn’t realize until later in the year that it was because I was trying so hard to meet my deep needs for appreciation, recognition and achievement through it. Reflecting on that, especially as I entered the new year, I realized I was making work my everything. It had to meet my financial needs, my emotional needs, my physical needs, my mental needs. If only my job were perfect, then I would be happy. But is that true?

What story are you telling yourself about your work?

Work is good. It allows us to impact our world, demonstrate our gifts and provide for our daily needs. However, we risk expecting from it more than what it can and is supposed to give. Please fill in the blanks in this statement; if only my work were______, then I would be_______ to see what you might be asking from your work and if that ask is one that is reasonable. 

It may be cliche to say work cannot give you everything in the same way people say you cannot expect your spouse to be everything for you. Are there things you ask of your work that you need to find in yourself, others, or God?

Even the best work cannot meet all your needs because expecting perfection from an imperfect world is impossible. It is right to demand and stand up for what is in service of the purpose for which you work and for a work environment that facilitates that. It gets stressful when you expect your work to be your everything. It can never meet up to those expectations. 

I leave you with a prayer that you would find rest from striving at work as you find the things you need in the places they live: your heart, the love of your community and the faithfulness of God.

With love,

Toluwa