About Work
Handle the common complaints about work.
The last few years, I read and hear a lot of groaning, moaning and complaining about Work, Employment, and “Affordability”. I have heard the same complaining, all the same arguments, most of my adult life, so it’s nothing new.
Those who are still complaining about the need to work (”why do I have to work?”) probably won’t get much out of this short essay until later. For those people, I leave you with this : “why should anyone work to support other adults who refuse to work?”
The younger readers might think that things are different now, that this author hasn’t had to experience the same conditions that the current workers experience. Well, I left the workforce in 2018, so I have experienced the modern work environment. Additionally, I have children and grandchildren who are currently working. They keep me up to date.
Common complaints about work are well known:
There is no job security
The company isn’t loyal to its’ employees
Not enough pay
No path for advancement, it’s a dead-end job
There is no good work/life balance
The job is boring, soul-crushing
The boss doesn’t provide me any motivation
All these complaints have important information. If you know these facts, why not do something instead of just complaining? You think you can’t do anything about these conditions? Don’t give up so fast. Here are some strategies that I put to good use, just to give the reader some ideas about what you could do.
The very first step is to QUIT COMPLAINING!
Motivation
Why would you give your employer control over your emotional state or your motivation? Adults are designed to be self-motivated and self-disciplined. A life of liberty requires the skillful use of these attributes. It is part of Self-Governance! Here is a link to my essay Working Heartily which discusses the supreme source of motivation.
No Job Security or Dead-End Job
If you know this, then make your own security. My strategy for this condition was:
“I’m training for my next job.“ Learn all the skills you can from every job you have. Learn what to do to add value for your employer and what not to do.
“Embrace the Insecurity“ I resolved that I would teach my way out of a job. Find your replacement among your coworkers. Search until you find someone who is willing to learn what you have to share. Train that person until he is ready to take your place.
I was never able to complete this task. However, training my replacement forced me to really master, in detail, all the skills of my position. It helped me with my communications skills too! I grew in my abilities more than the person that I trained. This helped me greatly to accomplish this next item:
“Add as much value to the company as you can“ For this strategy, you might have to think, to be creative. One of the first things that must be discovered is “what is really valued by the company?”, “what is really valued by my boss?” The answers to these two questions might not be the same. It may be that your boss doesn’t know what is really valuable to the company. Once you gain the answers to these questions, make a plan on how you can provide more value to those areas of interest.
You may not be recognized for all your efforts, but so what? You are training for your next job. It’s all good for you!
Work/Life Balance
This complaint often comes from those who like to party too much. These same people also complain about not having a living wage. A wise man once said that those who LOVE pleasure will not escape poverty. Your employer is not in business to enrich your social or family life.
I was eventually able to achieve an acceptable work/life balance. This achievement required time, thoughtful planning, and self-discipline.
Boring/Soul-Crushing
Employment does not exist to entertain or hold your interest. The question is, why would you give your employer control over your emotional state or your sense of worth? You determine if you will enjoy your work or not. You determine if you are bored or not. The pain is real, but it will stop whenever you decide! Remember, you are in training for your next job. Consider this: If you were in charge, how well would you want your employees to work? Decide to work that way!
Conclusion
This is a journey of self-discovery; what hidden talents and capabilities will you find? How much real value can you provide your employer?
Finally, don’t try to make life easier, work to increase your skillfulness.
2025 Keith Radcliffe
Thank you for sharing this thoughtful piece.It encourages us to reexamine our attitude toward work in the light of God’s Word and purpose.Work is not only a means of provision but also a place where our faith is lived out daily.Scripture reminds us that it is God who gives us the ability to produce and sustain our labor,so that His purposes may be fulfilled (Deuteronomy8:18).When our work is done with honesty and excellence,it becomes a witness to others and brings glory to God (Matthew5:16).Even in seasons of hardship or fatigue,the Lord sees our faithfulness and promises that our labor in Him is not in vain (1Corinthians15:58).He calls us to work quietly,serve faithfully,and depend on Him for strength and direction (2Thessalonians3:12).May the Holy Spirit renew our perspective,so that each task small or great becomes an offering of obedience and trust before the Lord,who is faithful to reward those who seek Him (Hebrews11:6;Psalm127:1).
I spent 32years on a factory floor, those with frowns on their faces had a long miserable day, and those smiling and laughing were a pleasure to be around. Retired 20 years now and it makes me smile when seeing people enjoying their work. “This is the day the Lord made let us be glad therein”