The 21 Hour Workweek!
It is probably more likely that you'll have
a 21 hour workday before you have
a 21 hour workweek!
Unless you are under-employed!
Overwork and stress have increased. Downsizing did not mean there was less work. It meant there were fewer people to do the same amount of work that had previously been done. And those fewer people had to get that additional work done.
It is not just more work. It is more responsibility, more pressure, more deadlines, more expectations, more consequences -- and this means MUCH more added stress. You can find this image on this site, along with some good quotes on stress (click here).
BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE.
Now to that problem, add this . . .
The proliferation of intrusions via the ubiquitous internet.
We are never unplugged, at least for long. Emails, Facebook updates, twitter, calls, texts. Computers turned into laptops which became notebooks and smart phones. We carry the instrument of our distraction and interruption with us everywhere. You can get this image as a "mousepad" (here) and it might be a good reminder of what constant connectivity is doing to you.
I intentionally put my phone on silence mode. I intentionally do not answer my phone or even look at it for periods of time. I do a lot of work on my computer and it is always a struggle to shut down the internet connection and work undistracted. But I actually do that. And I want to do it more.
If you haven't yet read it, check out: The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Your Brain. When I read that book, it led to a half dozen or more posts. Not only are many of us overworking, but while we work, we also experience constant interruption and switch tasking that leaves our brains that much more tired and distracted.
THE RESULT OF OVERWORKED AND CONSTANTLY DISTRACTED:
Here are a few stats quoted in Taking Your Soul to Work.
A study by the Center for Work-Life Policy, found that 8 out of 10 people say their jobs are affecting their health.
New York Times reported that 62% of people say they have had an increase in their workload in the last six months.
More than 50% say work leaves them excessively tired and overwhelmed.
BUT WHAT TO DO?
Here is the fact. Most of us do not have the ability to change our work environments. We don't have the position that gives us the power and authority. Work life has changed in the 21st century. It is not foreseeable that it will change back. In most cases, you don't have the luxury of just quitting, of opting out.
And to be honest, even if you are able to transfer, where you go will most likely be to a similar scenario.
The only way forward is to cultivate rhythms… make certain choices for the reordering of your life… so you have the resources of spirituality, emotion and intellect.
There is no short cut to this. It is going to take time, energy, diligence, patience . . . and some wisdom about the way of formation . . . and a generous lavishing of God's grace. You can count on the last one. The middle one is there for the finding. If you need help, drop me a note. You will have to supply the former. But God can help you with that one as well.
Brian K. Rice
Leadership ConneXtions International
www.lci.typepad.com
