Work is Not the Purpose of Life

 "Man does not live, therefore, to produce bread. He produces bread to live. The distinction is enormously important and relevant. Obviously man must have food, and so far as our experience goes, he must work to produce It, But work is not the purpose of life. Production is not the purpose of life. Instead, human lives are the entire purpose and the reason for all work and for all production.
- Robert G. Lewis - speaking about the issues of family farms at the annual meeting of the Interorganization Committee on Problems for Rural Youth in 1957

Anxious , Depressed, Job Not Inspiring?

Question from a reader: I feel low, anxious, depressed, job not inspiring, what should I do?

My reply:

1) Look for the high points in your job: co-workers? customers? whatever is uplifting.

2) Consider a different job or becoming self-employed. Those may or may not be viable options, but think seriously about it.

3) Look to get your true satisfaction from sources outside your job. Appreciate your family. Volunteer in your community. Help someone less fortunate than yourself - perhaps volunteer at a food bank or soup kitchen.

As we work to create light for others,
we naturally light our own way.
- Mary Anne Radmacher

Life's most persistent and urgent question is,
'What are you doing for others?'
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

If you don't like something, change it.
If you can't change it, change your attitude.
- Maya Angelou

The best way to find yourself
is to lose yourself
in the service of others.
- Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi

The more we care for the happiness of others,
the greater is our own sense of well-being.
- Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama

The best cure for our own self-inflicted suffering
is often service to others.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
      

Helen Thomas

Helen Thomas (August 4, 1920 – July 20, 2013) was a White House press reporter from 1961 to 2010 (when she retired at age 90) - covering every President from Kennedy to Obama.

It's time for women to make their voices heard.
Their silence on the subject of war and peace is deafening.
- Helen Thomas 

If we care about the children, the grandchildren,
the future generations, we need to make sure that they
do not become the cannon fodder of the future.
- Helen Thomas

When will our leaders learn - war is not the answer.
- Helen Thomas

You don't spread democracy through the barrel of a gun.
- Helen Thomas

We won't really know what will happen until it happens.
- Helen Thomas

I think I'll work all my life.
When you're having fun, why stop having fun?
- Helen Thomas

Fired and Depressed

A reader's question: I was terminated from my job. Since I was fired, I am not able to move on, and am feeling very depressed because I think I was working hard and was going the extra mile to help them. I miss my co-workers because they were very nice to me and I was considering them as my sisters. I am lonely. I don't know if I should go to my previous workplace to talk to my ex-co-workers, because I am afraid of their reactions. I want to move on but I am not able to. Please help me.

My answer:

It is most important that you find new and positive things to think about. If you want to invite one or two of your ex-workplace friends to have lunch with you one day, that might be good, but I would recommend against returning to your former place of employment.

Positive things to focus on.

1. Talking to good friends about leads for a new and better job.

2. Get out in nature for a three hour walk by yourself to clear your head.

3. Find a supportive group. If you belong to a church, that is a good place to begin. Otherwise, call upon good friends, or a community group, or see what's in your area at www.meetup.com (look for a larger established group - and always use common sense).

4. A great way to feel better about yourself is to help others. Look for an opportunity to volunteer your time in your community (for example, at a soup kitchen for the homeless) or for your church.

These articles may help you further:

The Silver Lining of Losing Your Job

What to Do When Your Whole World is Falling Apart

Ten Little Tips to Feel Happier Right Now

There are many more of my articles HERE.

May the world be kind to you, and may your own thoughts be gentle upon yourself.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

How To Get A Job

Question: Thank you for your amazing quotes ................. and now tell me
how to get a job!

Thank you for your kind words about my Daily Inspiration email.

Getting a job...

1. Relax - eliminate the panic from your life over being between jobs. You are likely making yourself miserable -- plus, feeling badly about not having a job lowers your self-esteem and causes you to interview less well.

2. Focus more on the quality of the job and the company than on getting the absolute top dollar in wages. Consider the long term prospects for the job and the company. Always choose a highly ethical job.

3. Try different - and less direct - ways of finding a job. Inventory your skill-sets, and consider taking a job in a different field than your last job. Ask EVERY friend and acquaintance for suggestions and help. While you are between jobs, do some part-time or volunteer work -- that could lead to a connection for a full time job. Consider becoming a self-employed free-lance contractor or starting your own business.

May the world be kind to you, and may your own thoughts be gentle upon yourself.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie