I have a confession: I was an ungrateful worker.
Ungrateful, Just Ungrateful
When I started my job in a receptionist capacity, I was a bit upset about my salary and the restrictions of the position. I promise, I was ungrateful for a good 60 days.
I was mostly upset about my salary because of the way the company determined salaries. I had to submit my most recent paycheck stub, which was from a temporary assignment. And they used that rate to set my pay rate.
In addition to my pay, I had to adjust to being “confined” behind a desk after being free for over 10 years. Also, my position left no room for the option to work from home. And having designated break and lunch times didn’t allow for Toastmasters meetings and other learning opportunities, which took place during times I could not get away.
When reading that last paragraph, do you see all the negative words used? Yep, those were the thoughts I entertained for a good 60 days…just like that.
There were two more things that were extremely hard to adjust to: limited internet access and no cell phone use.
You know I’m a techie so I felt like Dope Fiend Pookie in the New Jack City movie trying to wean myself off constant access to my computer and cell phone. I know comparing my tech attraction to a drug abuser may seem extreme but I’m willing to admit that I was highly addicted to my computer and cell phone.
I slowly adjusted to the new position with my crappy thought process. But a simply stated passage in The Word For You Today changed my attitude and thought process completely. It said that God didn’t take you there, He placed you there.
Well, since this was a divine assignment, I started treating it as such. You know how you start to act right after a butt whipping? Yep, that was me.
Gratitude Abound
I shared a few of the blessings of my position in my previous post, Be Careful What You Ask For: a cool supervisor, amazing teammates and enough pay to cover expenses and save. I also help entrepreneurs who are just starting on their journey. Being in a space with entrepreneurs keep me focused on what I need to do even though I have a full-time job.
Limited tech access at is not the worse thing that has happened to me. I can read and learn things that my seasoned co-workers practice when my work is complete and there are no customers. I get a chance to chat with co-workers from other departments. And I use the time to think and reflect when there is absolutely no action.
Here are two more blessings that have come from being obedient. First, I received a financial bonus last year with other staff members, even though I had worked at the organization for less than a year.
Second, I am home from work – with pay – due to the Covid-19 virus. Many of my friends and colleagues are working from home. I don’t have to work. What a blessing!
Takeaways:
- There are lessons and blessings in everything you do.
- Things are not always what they seem.
- Look for opportunities in the midst of your situation.
- Be thankful for all things, even small ones.
- Disconnect from technology every now and then. Your physical, emotional and mental health depends on it.
What About You?
Have you ever been an ungrateful worker? What were the lessons from the experience?
Share your story in the comment box below.
This is so true! I’m so thankful you share this. Another of my fav verses is Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Work on, my sweet friend. Praying you safe and healthy!
Lisa
Thanks for this verse, Lisa. I’m going to commit this one to memory. Be well!
I can understand how you felt in your initial situation. Had it been me, I’d have never brought a pay stub from a previous job to anyone; none of their business and, in general, illegal for them to ask for (at least it is in New York).
With that said, you broke out of your funk and you’re doing better, and I expect in many ways you’re growing in knowledge and perspective. Whatever gets you through the days and brings you comfort is always a great thing, isn’t it? 🙂
Submitting a pay stub was required at the time. And although I know it’s illegal to request at private companies, I could not get past it with a government agency. However, there were ways around it but I didn’t find out until after I had accepted the position.
And yes, I’m growing in knowledge and perspective (I like that). Here’s the biggest blessing. I get paid to talk, which is the first step in my ultimate goal.