Maybe you can relate to this emailed prayer request from Randy…
“I am slowly dying in my job by ‘a thousand cuts.’
“I need to transition soon before I am technically fired. My position has changed responsibilities during the past year, moving away from my strengths.
“This is combined with a new manager with whom there is very little positive chemistry. I do not believe that remaining in my current situation is in the best interest for me and my wife or that of the company.”
Good news in the midst of bad as the email concluded…
“May God bless you all and thank you for your prayers that I identify and remain in God’s will.”
Surveys Prove the Point
Most employees are unhappy (51.7%) and not engaged (70%). Reasons for on-the-job despair are diverse, according to an Inc. magazine article.
- Not enough pay for the work
- Instability of your job in jeopardy
- Your future with little room for advancement
- Working with people you don’t like or respect or visa versa
- A demanding, high stress environment
- Not a lot of flexibility
- The work itself
And of course the #1 reason why most people quit their jobs? The Boss! According to Forbes magazine, people leave managers, not companies.
Fight Back by Faith
You can experience the thrill of victory in the midst of what feels like the agony of defeat. Start with good responses to bosses behaving badly. Refocus your efforts as proposed in the Bible verse Colossians 3:23:
Whatever you do, do your work heartily,
as for the Lord, rather than for men.
You can inoculate and fortify yourself against toxic work environments. Read and work through our book Created for Good Works with family, friends and fellowship. You will discover the why, what and how to help yourself and others to hear and follow God’s calling, whether you are focused on just surviving, really thriving or looking for the next job.
First and finally, the antidote to poisonous positions is prayer. For example, read Jerry’s note in response to Randy’s prayer request…
The Lord knows how lonely and difficult those times are for us. I am praying for the Holy Spirit to come along to give comfort, encouragement, and wise counsel for his next step.
You can start today. Post a confidential request and/or prayer! Exercise your faith at work no matter what the circumstances.
Comments 4
Yes! I relate Randy’s cry for victory in the midst of what feels like defeat. Before anything, pray!
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I feel the same. I have worked at present job for two years. I have worked hard and try to be positive. I have never been treated with such disrespect in the job force in all the 40 years of work. I am put done and get in trouble for the smallest of things. Never in my life have I been written up and I have twice here and now will again this week. I am drained and tired. I am 62 years of age. I worked for years in the office field but my skills are lacking since it has been so long. The last year I have gained a lot of weight out of stress and eating from stress. I started looking for work this morning but it did not take long before I hit a brick wall. I asked the Lord to please give me three jobs today to apply for. I work for a big corporation and they put way too much expectations on my position. I have to push myself to go every morning. All I have done this weekend is cry and am pushing myself to do what I need to do. I am not sure what to look for. I am alone and cannot live on minimum wage. I am managerial but am willing to give it up but need decent wages. Please pray for me!
Author
Thank you for sharing. I pray for your strength and endurance, as well as looking upward to walk next steps. Please feel free to email us directly for help at support@test.crossroadscareer.org.