Are you Living to Work? – Part 4

Why do you want to work?

Pressure and stress are not easy to measure, and we all react differently to stimuli. Is work feeling oppressive? Do you have money issues, relationship problems or other frustrations? Are they affecting your health or lifestyle?

At a very basic level people work for money to enable them to provide comfort and security. It is money that gets people out of bed, but our desire should be for people to bounce out of bed because the day is so full of possibilities and interest. Many people would argue their attitude to work would be different if money wasn’t an issue. However, in four studies in the USA, citizens received a guaranteed income and became more energised and productive rather than laze the days away. Other research now puts $30000 per annum at the figure around which money ceases to be a motivator for most people, after that motivation comes from intrinsic sources – a message some managers haven’t heard or comprehended.

When the need for work is so integrated with the basics of life there is the stress that comes from knowing job loss would put many aspects in jeopardy.  The great thing about self-employment is you cannot be sacked; you may fail but at least you won’t be dismissed. It is actually very freeing.

Often “Office politics” is one of the things we are told are horrible and exhausting. Who said what to whom? About whom? What will the boss think? Who will receive credit for good ideas and scorn if things turn out badly? (Not necessarily the person or people who fouled up!!) This is hardly a symptom of a cohesive team. If you are brutally honest with yourself, do you get involved? Would everyone’s life be better if there was no politics? Would the organisation be more productive? A very interesting guy, Oliver James, has written a book on the subject, cunningly entitled Office Politics.

It is also sad to relate that pressures at work affect health and home life, especially relationships. 

We have dedicated a whole section to health in this site, so please pay a lot of attention to ensuring yours is good.     

Rob Ball
Connections:
07850 954075
rob.ball@workhorizons.com
rob.ball@naturallyconcerned.com

Websites:
Work Horizons – Organisational renewal through engaged, productive people
Naturally Concerned – Developing better business leaders
www.framingourfuture.com 

Books:
Beating the Wisdom of Hindsight: 75 Ways to Pursue Fulfilment and Avoid Regrets eBook : Ball, Rob: Amazon.co.uk
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Sponges-Overcoming-behaviours-absorb/ Online Programs:
Empower Change by Learning to Live Well (indegu.co.uk)
Expanding Your Work Horizons (indegu.co.uk)