For anyone struggling with a heavy work load, and with balancing work and life outside of work, I thought I would share my recent journey. Hope these questions are as helpful to you as they are to me.
So many times this year, I’ve come in early, worked through lunch and stayed late. I have struggled with this pattern for the last few years. Instead of improving, I feel the boundaries between work and life have blurred.
My friend asked me some important questions to consider and my answers opened me up to a better way of working.
Question: are you replaceable?
Bottom line is no one wants to think they are replaceable, especially someone who is passionate about work. I am replaceable. It would take the company some time to find someone to fill my role, but they would replace me. They would find someone to do the work.
What are you working late for?
Another question my friend posed is what am I working through my lunch break for that can’t be handled during my official work hours? What tasks am I staying late for that can’t be accomplished during my next shift? what tasks am I working on before 8:00 AM?
Is anyone paying the price for the company being short handed?
This one was harder to answer. After processing for a couple days, my answer is no. The company I work for isn’t really feeling the pain of the loss of an employee- they just have a couple of us doing the additional work. Without additional compensation. By trying so hard to fill in the gaps, I’ve worn myself out.
What benefits would I gain from taking a break?
Okay we start with the mental fatigue that can come from working 10, 11, or 12 hours straight. The faster track path to to burn out, decline in physical/emotional health, and increase the possibility of mistakes is working too many hours.
Taking breaks, leaving on time regularly these are habits I am reclaiming. I claim lunch time as “my lunch” so that I remind myself it is mine. I am coming in early on my time so that I can organize my calendar and take my time easing into the day. (Also avoiding traffic). I choose to walk away from my office and reclaim that time to work on other aspects of my life. This hasn’t been an easy transition. It takes time to learn how to be consistent at actually taking my lunch breaks. I have enjoyed my walks; my prayer time with God; my Bible studies; and talking on the phone.
What does God have to say about rest?
Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.
Exodus 34-21 NIV
The Bible mentions rest hundreds of times. Over and over again, the concept of rest is mentioned. We are instructed in Exodus 34-21 to rest on the seventh day. Even in the busiest of times, we are to set aside the one day for rest, worship and renewal.
In the book of Mark, Jesus tells us that we should to go a deserted place and rest. Imagine what He has to say now to our busy, multi-tasking souls in our fast paced world.
Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.
Mark 6:31 NIV
Work is fun, it can be fulfilling. It can also be all consuming if you’re someone like me who lets boundaries slide too many times. My biggest revelation is that my priorities have been out of alignment. I haven’t been resting… I’ve just been working so many hours and then studying for tests on my personal time. It’s time to make the shift back toward my heart which is my time with God first… and remember that it’s okay to have a personal life apart from work.
Jesus encourages us to find our rest in Him and that He will give us rest. Why is this so challenging to remember?
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
I’ve come to a point where I’ve repented for not putting God first, and am back on the right path for prioritizing. Some days are easier than other days, but I am definitely feeling less stressed. I’m thankful God has me- on all the days!
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