(11) When Work Doesn’t Work

Work is meant to be rewarding and satisfying. It isn't the source of ultimate purpose. But it is good to enjoy what we do.

So what happens when we don't? What do we do when work doesn't work? Some of the guidance we have already considered will help resolve moderate workplace unhappiness. We should develop vocational gratitude, practice diligence, be content even in humble circumstances, and expect God to provide an increase for our labors. Sometimes need must trump preferences—we should press on in hard jobs because we must. Hard jobs aren't necessarily your destiny, but reality may require you to stay where you are for now. Still, we should keep developing skills that will make us more useful and, hopefully, better appreciated and compensated.

But sometimes what we do seems irredeemable. We wonder if we can even go on. That can happen in numerous ways. But two extreme assessments are sadly common: I hate my job, and I suspect my job is compromised by sin. Those are serious concerns that we must consider.