A recent conversation with a loved one sharing work challenges (i.e. inter-office drama) called forth the simple statement “Work is not your world”. As I listened to the story and shared my spin those words rang true at that moment as they have for me so many times before, “Work is not your world.”

One of the things which can disturb us like few is discord on the job. Whether it be being unappreciated, not being compensated properly, inequity in titles or treatment, being treated unfairly or viewed unfavorably, being overworked, not being heard or well-received, lack of support for advancement or plain ol’ mess with groups and/or individuals, a lot of us spend a LOT of time at work hopefully because something we do is something we love to do. To have drama in the midst of having to do what we researched on, applied for, interviewed for, prayed about, told our loved ones about, posted on, prepared for and committed to show up to do is a bummer, a real bummer.

The good news is, “work is not your world.” It’s as simple as that. Yes, the environment might be uncomfortable. Yes, the people might be “interesting”. Yes, people might be paid more than you for less work than you do. Yes, you might have envisioned yourself being further along or somewhere else way before this point in time. Yes, your boss might be totally wrong in his/her actions. Yes, systems might not be in place which need to be. Yes. Yes. Yes to all of that which might be going on, BUT “work is not your world.”  So with that said:

• Pray before you go to work, while there and when you leave.
  • Place your “challenges and challengers” at the top of the list in a sincere, God-approved way, of course.
• Do your best, especially in times of challenge.
  • There is never a good time for slacking, but when trouble is brewing is certainly not the time as you want to maintain your excellence and perception of excellence at all times (in other words, don’t give your challengers or challenges any proof that they were right.)
• Get a life…outside of work.
  • Be sociable, but don’t find all your friends at work. Don’t put all of your eggs in the proverbial job basket.
• Learn all you can about what to do and what not to do in leadership while there.
• Avoid the water cooler or coffeepot talk about the negative things going on as to not let it further frustrate you.
• Don’t get caught up in the unprofessional actions or reactions of others.
• Ask God why you are still there and be open to the wonderful reasons why even if they don’t feel like it.
• Go home when it’s time and leave work where it belongs.
• When challenged by situations revolving around co-workers or work-related scenarios think of your loved ones and who and what really matters.
• And MOST IMPORTANTLY….
  • Do not, I repeat. Do not ever forget that your job is just a resource. There’s a Source so much bigger than your 9am to 5pm, 11pm to7am or 4am to 4pm. God’s got you! He knows what He’s doing, why He’s doing it, what He’s allowing, how it’s working for your good and when He’s going to move you up, move you out or move you right on up out of there.

@AngelaMMoore316