Grow From The Experience
It was strange and meaningful, finding the following message in my Facebook feed. It was meant for me after a not-so-perfect-day at work, which is rare, almost nonexistent.
“Your Job Is Not Your Life: Take your lunch break.” Relax during afterhours. Enjoy your weekends. Take the holidays off. Use your PTO (paid time off) and sick leave. You agreed to do your job in exchange for the pay and benefits. You didn’t sign up to sell your soul and every moment of your personal life.”
Of all days, I can appreciate this message. Someone at work treated me poorly today, and that is putting it mildly. I just wanted to walk away and not return. I give a great deal of myself to my job, and to the people I serve. There is no excuse for being unkind. None!
Treating givers poorly often creates a deeply draining dynamic. When kindness is taken for granted, givers frequently end up burnt out. As a result, the relationship falls apart.
I have a high tolerance for mistreatment, but I refuse to rationalize your disrespect. This situation doesn’t allow me to hold you accountable, but I do know how to walk away from that which doesn’t grow my spirit.
We need boundaries. I said to myself, feeling exhausted, "Tonight I rest and heal. I will try again tomorrow."
The remedy for my exhaustion was a walk with a friend, who offered me clarity and understanding. It was nice hearing someone else’s perspective.
When I arrived at work the next day, my boss learned through the grapevine what had happened. I appreciated his input, understanding and validation.
If you get anything from this situation, I hope it is this, feel your emotions, but don’t let them get the best of you, because unmanaged reactions can cause significant issues.
After all was said and done, I was pleased with the outcome. Find strength in your successes.
A friend said to me, “What would have happened if you lost that battle?” I would not have called it a battle. These days, I can’t afford to be angry because life is too short, and the world is too crazy. My best advice – process your emotions, immediately focus on what you can control, and as hard as it can be sometimes, learn and grow from the situation.
In every part of life, and with every experience, there are teaching moments. It would behoove all of us to learn and grow from them, especially if you are someone observing from the sidelines. – paerki
Photos: Hiking with a friend.
