The Joy of Work!

Times are tough in more ways than one. It seems to me that this is the worst period in the working world that I have witnessed during my forty years of working life. Millions have lost their jobs and are continuing to do so.  Organizations are engaging in a kaleidoscope of work and job elimination programs. Human Resource personnel and senior executives with the help of high paid "not knowing" consultants have come up with creative words to brand these nefarious activities. Words such as de-layering, downsizing, rightsizing, out-sourcing to name a few, form this foreboding landscape. In this threatening work environment I offer hope in the Now! It is time to refocus to renew and reset our work lives. For out of doom and gloom there is opportunity to rejuvenate our "work-a-day world" existence. How do we do this? By building the "joy of work" into our work life paradigm.

We do this because our spiritual selves implore us to create a joyful life in what we do daily to earn a living or even in our extracurricular activities. It is up to us to create the joy condition in our daily lives, most of which is spent in working for a living. And those who do not have traditional jobs now need to create joy in whatever they do to maintain and sustain their human existence.

So here are my humble suggestions. The intent here is to provide "food for thought".

When no matter what we do to "bring home the bread" does not provide us joy then I suggest that we find a side avocation that does turn us on (a narrow definition of work in modern days is that which we do, that provides us monetary compensation). This can be a hobby, a sport, volunteer work (nowadays volunteer work is one of the creative ways to find regular employment), reading, yoga or whatever. I recently read a book where one of the principal characters worked in a non-joyful work environment all his life, but he came home every day and spent time in his garden, the creation of which gave him great pleasure and joy. In other words, never be a couch potato. If you systematically dedicate time to a side avocation then I assure you will find "joy at work" no matter what you do for the "green back", or the "dinar' or the "rupee" or the "birr".

Steve Covey's seventh habit has helped me a lot to traverse the trials, the tribulations and the ups and downs of our paycheck world. He suggestion is "sharpening the saw". Which means, keeping fresh and "cool" with exercise, reading, meditation, knowledge accumulation and contemplation. These activities sustain our souls and this creates "joy of work" within.

Keep your fun meter on red hot. Do not take things too seriously because the "hurdles" are continuous and relentless. So what does one gain by taking things personally and seriously? I did not adopt this principle during my working life and as such I suffered because everyday when I went into work something or the other aggravated me. Got my mercury up! But if I had learnt to stride it out then I would only see "joy". Seeing "joy" around you is also a great talent to develop and cultivate.

I also suggest spending time with "extravagant" friends. These friends are those that do not need anything from you and you do not need anything from. They are "spend time" buddies. Do not have too many of them. One, two, three is enough. Why do I say that these extravagant friends are important to finding "joy at work"? This is because they will give unadulterated advice on what troubles you in your paycheck world. They will not judge you, condemn you or criticize you negatively. They are "extravagant" friends and they will have your interests in mind. They are real "soul mates" and not tied into your bloodline. They create joy for you.

Finally, now more than ever think about creating your own "joy at work" condition. In tough times times one can really contemplate our true internal needs. If times were good we would be lulled into exuberance and thus miss our "inner needs". But in bad times we are often forced to face realities both material and spiritual.

My blessings and Jai Ho!