“The same sun that melts wax hardens clay.” In other words, what makes a life ‘good’ is not a particular set of circumstances, but how the heart interacts with them. ― Timothy J. Keller
HOW DEDICATED should a person be about his or her work? Is there such a thing as a dream job? If the employer will provide a generous salary increase year after year, will there be a significant improvement in an employee’s performance every year? If more leaves and holidays are given to an employee, will there be more productivity at work?
When is a problem considered as an office problem? If you have a problem at home, is that a valid excuse or a justifiable reason for not doing well at work?
To contextualize, I am only — or mostly — referring to working in the government. This is the kind of work that is totally geared towards public service. Private institutions also do recognize the importance of serving the people. But they can do so while legally — and morally — aiming to increase their profits as well.
Nowadays, both public and private institutions take an active role for the betterment of the society. Programs and policies are created with complementary aims: an opportunity to earn for a living; and also, to help others live a better life through our work.
To some, work is tiring, boring, and downright stressful.
But there are those who find meaning in their life through their work. And in my work environment, these are the things I learned from them:
1. Mental health and working professionally
I would dare argue that if a government employee is truly professional in his or her work, that employee will have a proactive approach to any problem, disappointment, or irritation.
I saw this kind of professionalism from the Hall of Justice court officials and employees. Let me clarify that I am bias towards looking for people to emulate for their good behavior at work. There will always be “bad” employees. But I would rather get inspired by those who do well than use as an excuse the immaturity of others to do poorly in my work.
I have noticed that when I focus my time in doing my work religiously, and in volunteering to do more work or in immediately acting upon what was assigned to me, I become more confident. My self-esteem is improved. I feel worthy.
Of course, there will be lapses and mistakes, but the objective here is to improve incrementally, no matter how small.
2. Problem-solving mindset instead of problem-complaining mentality
Try doing this in your work: When you find yourself complaining about something, challenge yourself to instead find a way in solving it. Contribute and lend a hand. Complaining triggers more complaining. Eventually, your colleagues will also start sharing their own difficulties in life, and all sorts of worries would creep up in the discussions making everyone disheartened and hopeless about the state of things.
I learned that a person can also immediately just do what is right and, without a fuss, solve the problem right away.
3. Money is the solution. More money means more options.
But you have to earn it. In the government, there is a salary grade in relation to the position you applied for. There is a simple formula if you want to increase your salary: aim at a higher salary grade; apply for that job; prepare your credentials; and prove your worth along the way.
I learned that, all things considered, you have to work harder or be more self-disciplined if you want to earn more in the government.
Others may not agree. Of course, you can make some shortcuts. You can be corrupt and lazy and still receive a big salary — with hefty bonuses. But there is no inner peace and true happiness to that kind of lifestyle. No fulfillment. No contentment. Shame and guilt will accompany you wherever you go. And although you can argue that no one else will know, you know fully well that you are only fooling yourself. You will end up hating yourself. Your own thoughts will haunt you. And each day will become a struggle of lying, hiding, and even of regretting.
But when you have earned your worth and worked diligently, you will enjoy spending your money. Your salary will help you solve your problems, and even that of others. You will be motivated to earn more and at the same time to raise your competence for better opportunities.
You will treat your responsibility with dignity. And although there will be times that things at work may seem overwhelming, you know that you did not come this far only to give up on your dreams. In a sense, you can give hope to this nation through your work.
“Work on things people can’t take away from you:
* Your skills
* Your body
* Your mindset
* Your character
* Your knowledge
* Your work ethic
This is how you become unstoppable.” —MindJournal/PN
