SOME WORDS ABOUT WORK ON THE DAY OF REST
In some creeds (not so much in the retail religions I’ve noted) one day of the week has been designated as the “day of rest.” I’ve also heard sayings like “there’s no rest for the wicked.” Anyway, today I thought I would share some thoughts on “work.”
Recent studies show that less than half of all employees today are “fully engaged” in their current employment. That is sad in many ways and I could write 20 entries on this topic, however, I thought maybe I’d just pull some old thoughts together write about choosing work, on how work chooses you, and on the odd paths we find ourselves on from time to time.
Right now, I am transitioning from one part of my work life to another. It happens a lot these days and for people who have a deep work/life/identity connection the transition can be a stressful and scary process….therefore here’s some ways to bring some peace and joy into either your current work effort or those to come in your journey.
Thirty years ago—that’s before the internet so I’m talking ancient history, I was an instructor for a class called “Making a Vocational/Educational Choice.” This course was offered at a major Midwest University and students from Freshmen to Seniors could enroll. I won’t go through all the details, but the course was a fascinating study in student development and fear of the unknown. Students had dreams or were looking for them. They had plans and Plan B’s and as far as being prepared for the work world they covered the entire spectrum from preschooler to ultra professional.
After teaching the course a few times and learning of the initial work efforts of some of my former students I developed a great sense of humor regarding the world of work and this is the wisdom I gathered then.
Some of my brightest chemistry students didn’t go out into the world and find cures for the illnesses of the day. Instead they spent time making mouth wash just a little more wintery fresh. Some of the graphic artists and other “serious artists found themselves in what one of them called the “bowels of hell.” One of them was working as a creator of designs to adorn paper plates, napkins, and the printed masterpieces that used to be found on many kinds of toilet paper. I received a note from one of these students who asked…..”One of my designs just got turned down for 2-ply toilet paper—can you tell me how to get inspired about work tomorrow? I gave him a call and we had a short conversation and I asked if this was the worst day of his life? He said …..”well it was till I ran into Ryan.” I said did Ryan remind you that you were still using your skills to make a living? He said —“hell no….Ryan works in the urinal cake sector and just got one of his chemical formulas rejected —not because it wasn’t effective but because it didn’t really match the concept of pure spring freshness the company was looking for.” Well I don’t know where either of these people ended up… I hope in a happy places.,..but what it taught me was money couldn’t talk to my soul at that point in my career and I am grateful for that.
Now which is always the only time there is…. I am looking at a few work options and money might have a little more pull in my decision making, however, learning and serving, and when possible teaching (giving back what you have learned)are my priorities Helping people have more choices in life and taking responsibility for those choices is critical. Will things still happen because of chance in careers and work? Well I hope so—-and I hope I always will have the courage to learn and serve some more.
Okay… enough of that I am going to end with a little rhyme that hit me on the train ride I took the other day.
May your work life bring you closer
to knowing your best self
Be that putting letters in a box or canned peas upon a shelf
Before your work life’s over you’ll have gaps and stops and turns
But the value of a person never equals what one earns
Sometimes you’ll work to live and sometimes you’ll live to work
For a boss who is a princess, a jester, or a jerk
Work days last eternities and vacation days are brief
You’ll reach some lofty goals and smile but sometimes think “good grief”
Some days you will be calm and others you’ll be boiling
I hope you get a chance to serve some others with your toiling
Remember always that you’re worthy and that it’s your gifts you’ll employ
Then wherever on the journey you may be there can be found peace and joy
With gratitude for the lessons I’ve learned and the grace to learn more… . I wish all the best adventures in the work lives you’ll explore
And if this job does not quite fit wipe the dust off— go ahead and try one more …
Do your best to always know your soul keeps track—the bank does not keep score
Have a great day of rest..
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