Advice - Extreme Apathy at Work

[midnight_sojourner]

Hello.

I could really use some spiritual advice.

I suffer from extreme apathy at work. I find I do not want to work on the things I know I need to do, especially longer term projects. I invariably find something immediate to do or I waste my time on non-essential, even non-work-related things.

Consequently, I am not doing the great job I know I should do as a Christian... and the selfish part of me knows that this is hurting my career as well. I live in fear of reaping the bad fruits of all this, but I just can't seem to "care" when it comes down to it.

I would really appreciate some input from a Christian and any prayers are welcome too. I feel overwhelmed. I live in fear of losing my job and hurting the welfare of my family because I am not doing what I should.

To be honest, I have a hard time being excited about life. I feel extremely apathetic.

Thanks in advance,

sojourner

 

[desi]

If you don't work at work it probably means you would rather loaf. Since you are choosing to loaf its all on you. You could pray for motivation or you could just visualize what it will be like collecting a paltry unemployment check after you're fired. Either way I would light a fire under my *** before my boss got wise.

 

[midnight_sojourner]

Exactly. And sloth is a sin.

I try to justify myself looking at those around me, but the point is it doesn't matter what's going on around me. I should tend to my own duties before I get what I deserve.

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

 

[Mr.Cheese]

Motivation is something you should never depend on to get something done. It may arise after you ahve initiated something, but rarely are you inspired to just work and work.
Are you getting bored with your job? Or are you finding this apathy creeping into other areas of your life?
You act like this apathy isn't like you.

 

[midnight_sojourner]

I think the main problem at my job is that I do not enjoy the work anymore.

I've read that most people need a new challenge every three years to stay interested in their career. I've been working at this job for five years. I've basically been doing the same thing for the past three years.

The company is also not paying me what the market will bear for my position. My wife and I are in the process of building a house and it will be completed in November. We did this specifically because I want to move from this job... and we didn't want to wait until I had another year on at a new job to start the home-buying process.

Once our house is completed, I plan to move to a different job. In the meantime, I have a lot of responsbility at my current job, and I know it wouldn't be right to just loaf. What I need to do is get a lot of things organized so when I leave I do not leave my boss in a lurch.

I have a lot of frustration at my current job because "management" hasn't created the opportunities for me that they seem to do for other employees. Even when I was at my best (and I have been credited with accomplishing a lot in my position) the management in my department didn't pull the strings it should have.

Please realize I am not the type of person who justifies being slothful because I am not being treated fairly. I just get to work and have no motivation to get the work done.

Actually, just talking about this is helping me a lot. My wife and I transferred here three years ago and I still really don't have any friends in this city to talk to about this situation or anything in general. That's probably contributed to this issue.

Thanks for listening. I appreciate it.

 

[Gabrielle]

Dear Midnight,

You seem as though you may be feeling somewhat overwhelmed, unappreciated, and perhaps a bit depressed. Feeling unappreciated can certainly lead to a lack of interest and motivation. Unfortunately, we all have our moments. I can certainly imagine how you must feel. With the new house and being head-of-household, I can imagine the enormous responsibility you have- and you obviously are very concerned in doing the right thing- or you would not have reached out. We can only do the best we can in life. We make mistakes and are not perfect, however, we must never give up on trying to do what is right.

Just some thoughts… A job change may be needed before, if possible, the house being built. As far as the market, times have been tough and many have lost their jobs and/or have experienced pay cuts. It is a small world, and I think it is in your best interest, and theirs, to leave on a positive note. Doing your best up until the last day is the right thing to do and is very good for your psyche. Perhaps you can try to look at it as making solid future contacts or referrals, rather than- I know I am leaving and/or unhappy, why make the effort. Joining a church can help establish and build new friendships when we are new in town.

Perhaps you can pray to God and ask for guidance and strength. I believe in the power of prayer and praying daily helps to build us stronger spiritually and mentally. He always listens and cares very much because His Love is unconditional and always remember that his Forgiveness is merciful. He loves you very much. You will be in my prayers, too.

God Bless- Gabrielle

 

[midnight_sojourner]

Thanks, Gabrielle.

There is a lot of wisdom in what you say and I think you are right in everything you have said.

This week I am going to try to spend some time in prayer each day... probably during the morning drive to work. I think it will help.

Thank you again for your words.

Brett