Sunday 24 April 2016

Study Time: Four Scriptures to Encourage the Young Professional Part 2

I hope last week was good for you. For me the last week and a half has been a very busy week, as we celebrated four birthdays in our family – the last being my fiancĂ©’s. He didn’t want a fuss made, but seeing as birthdays only come once a year, I thought to myself “why not go out and celebrate?”. So off we went, last Monday night to one of our favourite Thai restaurants in Stratford City, East London to eat, make merry and to generally be thankful for another year (I hope you like the pics!)
Birthdays aside, I wanted to continue with a discussion I started a few months back, and which many of you got in touch with me over, to tell me you found helpful. 
The work environment is a peculiar one, because you are thrown in with people who you have little in common with, except the job! But, as work is where we spend most of our time, it also happens to be a significant aspect of your life. But sometimes dynamics can be a little awkward, for example when you are forced to work with someone you might not necessarily get on with; or when you have to look your manager in the eye whilst you hand in your resignation. 
So I have compiled a short list of scriptures to encourage you as you survive in your career. Admittedly, this blog post will not be for everyone. I know I might have already lost a few readers just by mentioning the word "scriptures". However, if you have read up until now, I do urge you to stay. A lot of wisdom can be gained from from the Bible as you will see...

1.  When a colleague does something to upset you
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honourable in the sight of all (Romans 12:17 ESV )
Sometimes it is easy to lash out , or to choose hostility for a colleague that is grinding your gears. But trust me, it only leads to a work environment, which is dense and difficult for everyone to work in. I am not saying that bad behaviour should not be addressed or confronted, but what I am saying is that it should be done with some decorum. The workplace can be a tricky one, and very easily the one who confronts every situation is often branded uncollaborative and difficult to work with. As a side note, most employers will look for employees who are  able to work amicably with all kinds of characters.
2. When your colleague persists in antagonising you
As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, (Titus 3:10 ESV )
As a continuation from my last paragraph, what do you do when a colleague continues to deliberately step on your toes after you have spoken to them? It gets to a point where you’ll just have to just forgive and love them from afar, keep it strictly professional and keep it moving.
 3. When you have handed in your resignation
Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust (Peter 2:18 , ESV).
I must admit that the socio-economic context of the Bible does mean that the language can appear extreme. But fast forward to 2016, all this verse is simply saying is to respect whoever your boss is. Even if he or she is a monster! If you have to address an issue with your boss, do it with manners and in keeping with your company’s policy. Maybe his or her character has led you to hand in your resignation, but even so, that does not mean you should be a jackass whilst you work your notice. Continue to work with a good attitude until your last day, and even after you leave avoid airing out your grievances on social media, or to your new employers. Trust me. It is not a good look!
 4. Considering a career change?.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.(Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV) .
I think, most people at some point in their lives will think “why am I still doing this job?”. And to me this is quite normal. As growing, and ever changing entities, it is inevitable that our interests will change at some point. However, speaking as a human, I would say it's a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly; and as a Christian, I would say don't move an inch without praying over it first. When you do this, God will definitely send you clear signs on the next move to make.
Thank you for reading. Are there any words of wisdom you have to encourage the young professional?
If you enjoyed this post, you will like part one of this series: Study Time: Five Scriptures to Encourage the Young Professional

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9 comments

  1. First of all, happy birthday to your hubby to be. May God continue to guide him through this journey called, life.
    Easier said than done on these tips, but you're right, sister. Thanks for the motivation and encouragement. Lord knows we need em.
    Have a blessed week and please bare with me on the collabo abeg. Ha!

    http://missymayification.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Thank you Missy. I will pass your warm wishes on. It is definitely easier said than done, but these are things I have learned to put into practice in literally the last year. Lol! God help us all.
      And...take your time with the collabo.

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  2. Working at a high standard until your very last day, even after having in your resignation is a very good point and I like very much how you mention humans changing over time and so therefore job changes/interests being inevitable. It's okay to have a change of heart and therefore career direction :) Have a great weekend Madeline!

    aglassofice.com
    x

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    1. Hi Gabrielle,
      it's definitely OK to have a change of heart! thank you for passing through!

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  3. Happy belated birthday to your hubby! Like Missy said it is easier said than done. Some employees will deliberately get on your last nerve until you lose it... ha. I always just step away from the situation without saying a word. God help us all indeed.
    www.effortlesslady.co

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    1. Thank you Diana. It's definitely easier said! Walking away is definitely wise.

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  4. Hi Kristine. Thank you for passing by. heading over to your blog now.

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  5. love your posts. Life is constantly changing, so are the people around us, things around and us as well. That's why i prefer to be self employed lol :-D

    www.rshanphonsi.com

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  6. The fourth one is so perfect for where I am in life right now. I'm going to go read the whole chapter.
    Thanks alot for this post.

    5 mistakes that are stopping your blog from growing

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