Thriving in a Hostile Work Environment, Part 2

In this final installment of my series on working in a hostile work environment, I challenge you to shift your thinking. Instead of dreading going to work, I want you to consider why you go to work. If you go for the money and benefits, then own that reality. If you go because you would be bored sitting at home all day, that’s as good a reason as any to show up. The point is, you chose to go to work. We all know at least one person, who is not independently wealthy, but who chooses not to work. Somehow that person manages financially. Accept the fact that going to work is a choice.

Now, I want you to look at how you can gain the most from your employer.  Henry Kissinger said, “America has no permanent friends or enemies, only interests.” I want you to accept that jobs, clients and employers are temporary allies. Having benefits, making money, and developing skills are your permanent interests. Your employer pays you to show up. However, there are several more things that you can gain from work than money.

Contacts. While you’re at work, you can cultivate valuable relationships with coworkers, vendors and clients. Understand that most positions are not permanent. Assume that everyone you encounter can help you get to your next position or will bring you business when you get to the next position.  I worked for a government agency for 10 years before I opened a law practice. My former coworkers from that government agency hired me and referred their friends and family members to me. I made thousands of dollars from those contacts.


Skills. Maybe you dislike the work you’re currently doing. You dream of what you would do if only you could do anything else for a living. Consider the individual tasks that make up your job. If you’re a receptionist, decide to be the most pleasant and efficient receptionist who has ever greeted a customer. If you spend the day writing boring reports, use the opportunity to improve your grammar, punctuation and analysis of data.  Volunteer to coordinate an event so that you gain leadership experience. Ask your employer to pay for a class, training or coaching.  Decide that you’re going to get as much from your experience as possible.


Spiritual Development. We all have areas that need work. Have you noticed that the Lord gives you multiple opportunities to shore up your weaknesses? Let’s say that you’re impatient, and you work with people who annoy you. Humbly ask the Lord to help you to be tolerant of your coworkers. Perhaps you have a lazy spirit. Ask God to help you to do more than what is required at your job. Make it a daily goal to make spiritual improvements.

Consider your employer as your wealthy benefactor. While you’re cultivating contacts, sharpening your skills and developing spiritually, someone else is paying you money and providing benefits. When you start your own business or get the job you want, you’ll be ready to excel.