Ed. note: one of the things I love about this article is that it challenges all of us to take responsibility in our job satisfaction. Gayle gives us some very practical advice to make the most of every challenge we face to make a great job even better.
You love your job. You know what you do is important. You perform your tasks well. You are a giver and thrive on serving others. Still, you recognize a certain sense of dissatisfaction with your work. Why?
Maybe parts of your job have become tedious. Perhaps you are frustrated with a perceived lack of appreciation, recognition, or respect. Maybe you have been on the job so long your work no longer presents a challenge. Possibly you are discouraged when others make decisions about matters affecting your job—and never ask for your input. It could be you have heard thoughtless or insensitive remarks. Or you might feel alone and wonder if anybody knows or cares what the job looks like from your side of the desk.
When I first went to work in the church office, I assumed everyone would like me, pray for me, and bring me cookies. I was naïve. Eventually I realized that although my job provided a positive work environment, it was foolish to expect perfection.
All workers deserve respect, appreciation, and recognition—along with opportunities to take on challenging tasks and even enjoy a bouquet or two. I believe—in most churches—a real effort is made to create an atmosphere where each feels valued. But, all don’t hit the mark.
If your work situation falls a bit short there are things you can do to make up the slack.
• Get specific. Concede your job isn’t as satisfying as it could be; resolve that you are going to fix that. Pinpoint the sources of your dissatisfaction and get them out of the way. Schedule a quiet block of your own time to pour out your discontent on paper. Don’t worry about form, just get it all out—what stifles your creativity, puts a damper on your enthusiasm, nibbles away at your joy. Then turn loose of each, give them to God, put them behind you. You are not going to waste any time stewing over them or trying to change them. You are going to focus on getting the most from your job. Regardless of what came before.
• Banish tedium. Take a second look at routine jobs. Explore ways to do them differently. Look for shortcuts. Could some tasks be done by others? Getting less rewarding work done quickly gives you time to try new things.
• Create your own perks. Never rely on others to reward you for work well done. If recognition comes, enjoy it—but don’t need it. Get in the habit of rewarding yourself. Create personal incentives to stick with big projects. Promise yourself a treat when the job is done—a book, flowers, lunch at a special spot, whatever you like. And always deliver!
• Anticipate. It’s time to upgrade some software. No one has asked for your input. Do the research anyway. Put your findings in order and give them to the appropriate person. Say, “I am really interested in the upgrades. Here’s some information that might be helpful. I would be happy to help in any way I can.” Whether your data is used or not, you are the winner. You gained the experience of doing the research and acquiring knowledge.
• Disarm. The best antidote for any poison people you may encounter is a kind and positive rejoinder. Refuse to believe they mean you harm. Some time-tested advice: Treat your critics as if they were your biggest fans. Think this through. Very smart.
• Develop a support system. Associating with others who share your interests and understand your challenges is a huge plus. Get acquainted with ministry assistants in your area; make time to meet for lunch. Consider starting a local group or attending workshops together. Use online resources and blogs to keep in touch with what other office professionals are doing.
You have a great job. Enjoy it to the fullest!
Please share your thoughts, comments, questions!