Being Content in a Job You Hate

The Christian Working Woman

It could be that you have a job you really hate. If you could, you would quit tomorrow but you feel like you're in a prison because you need a job, you’ve got time and benefits invested in this job, and yet you hate the job. I can understand your feelings because I've had a job or two like that myself. But the Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians: ...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.... I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:11-13). So, I want to talk about how to be content in a job you hate. You know, if you can learn this secret of being content, as Paul learned it, you can't lose because your fulfillment and satisfaction will not be based on circumstances—not based on whether you have a terrific job that you love or one that you really hate! Keep in mind that Paul had to learn this secret of being content, and so do you and I. So, are you willing to enroll in Contentment 101, and learn how to be content with your job? That's where it begins. If you're not willing to learn to be content, of course, you never will learn it. If you insist on saying, "I hate this job, I refuse to change my attitude toward this job, I could never be content with this job and furthermore I don't want to be content with it," then you've already prevented God from changing you and giving you a new heart and a new attitude. First of all, you have to give up your rights. Most of us think things like, "I don't deserve this job," or "I deserve to have a fulfilling job," or "It's not right that I have to work at a job that doesn't utilize my talents," or "I can't be expected to endure the kind of treatment I get on my job.” That's just our normal nature, which has been fed and fired up by our humanistic society, teaching us that we have our rights. That doesn’t mean that you’re condemned to a job you hate forever, but if you can learn to be content for as long as you are there, when you do leave—if you do leave—you will not be running away. You will leave in victory not defeat, and you will have learned how to be content even in a job that is certainly not your dream job. So, if you are willing to relinquish your “rights” to have the job you want and learn to be content where you are, you’re in for an amazing discovery. Think about that.