You Can’t Take a Break from the Work You Hate
In my world, Sundays are considered a day of rest — a sabbath. For the most part they are. My family typically attends church together in the morning, enjoys a quiet lunch at home and spends the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Sometimes we throw a little housework in the mix, but for the most part we take it easy.
That is until around 5 pm. When I see that time on the clock my subconscious mind is assaulted with the reality that Monday is quickly approaching. A huge portion of the working population can identify, so I don't need to explain this phenomenon. The start of the workweek is on its way, and with that realization comes anxiety and dread.
The relaxed mood turns to irritability. My distracted mind no longer focuses on the moment, but on the reality of facing another week at a job that I hate. The day of rest becomes a day of stress.
It's unfortunate. A day that in many ways is a blessing is suddenly forgotten, as if the restful hours I just experienced never happened. The day is suddenly wasted on a negative future that is, in large part, just my imagination.
Even if the week ahead is really as bad as I imagine, that reality is still of my own making. The fact that I have my job and go to it every week is the result of my own decisions. I got myself there, and I choose to stay. Plain and simple.
I long for a Sunday evening where I enjoy the downtime with my family while at the same time eagerly look forward to the work ahead.
I want a job I run to every Monday through Friday.
I want to get excited when people ask me what I do for a living.
I want to say, "I can't believe they pay me to do this."
I want to look forward to the projects, the people, the challenges and the rewards of my work.
This pursuit is vital to both satisfaction in my work and the value of my rest.
I’m convinced true rest isn’t in simply taking a break from our work. At least not from work we hate. True rest is found in taking a break from work we love. Fulfillment in our work brings fulfillment to our rest. We become fully present in both and enjoy the benefits each area offers. This is real work-life balance.
