A student wrote me recently concerning her stuggle with work:
"Bruce! I have really enjoyed being back in your classes this past week. I am hoping you could give me some pearls of wisdom with regards to work...
I have started a new job and I feel really off balance. Some days I work 14 hours in front of a computer. I thought it would be different. How do you know if something is right for you or when you are investing too much time at work at not enough on yourself and home life. I feel very overworked. I’m afraid if I mention this that I will be looked down on for not wanting to "move up". I totally work hard but have no desire for work to be my main focus. Just reaching out for any advice.”
That is always a hard question for any of us. I had a "great career" in advertising that I left after about 10 years. It just never felt right. It was also really demanding of my energy and my time and was relentless that way. I felt like it was destroying me! Obviously I am not there now.
It may be different for you. You may be doing what you love but the job in which you are doing it isn't the right fit. If it is a short-term step that will lead to bigger things, it may be worth the effort. If this job isn't leading anywhere and it feels like it is only tearing you down, then look for something where they don't demand so much and suck you dry. Unfortunately it is our work culture in this country. More demands for not much in return. A bad economy is just an excuse.
We only have this one life to live and our own happiness and peace of mind is OUR responsibility. If your employers don't want to hear that you are overworked, if they don't value your contribution and don't value you showing up with enthusiasm for what you do, then start looking elsewhere.
But first, remember, in any job, you will only receive what you ask for.
More and more, the simple advice I offering in class seems pretty right for the other aspects of life: “If something in the pose hurts or just doesn’t feel right, your body is asking you to pay attention. Pause, back off, reassess, then make an adjustment to create more stability, ease and freedom in what you are doing.”
This is something I remind myself of often.
Or go to a yoga class, or do anything that relaxes you.
Posted by: Tiffany Jewelry | July 29, 2011 at 02:02 AM