The Great Resignation and the State of Our Workforce
The position was probably one of the most difficult ones I’ve ever held. It took an emotional toll on me. I was extremely unhappy and had a hard time coping with the toxicity of the culture, unrealistic expectations, and horrible pay. After a culminating total of one year at that place of employment, I quit.
The past two years have caused many of us to begin to question our true worth and happiness at our places of employment. Tens of millions of Americans have left their pre-pandemic jobs for better employment, or to start their own ventures. As if The Great Resignation wasn’t enough, a new wave in what I am dubbing “The Resignation Era” has emerged: quiet quitting. It is the idea that one should not overextend themselves at work: simply do what is required and nothing more.
With each passing month, work culture is shaken to its core. Everything we have come to understand about the status quo is shifting. Whether you agree this is simply the latest TikTok trend or a marketplace shift rooted in actual, addressable issues, we know that we must be spirit led in this time as in any other time of our lives. We cannot afford to allow our feelings to control us, but we must remember that we have been placed where we are in the marketplace to minister and be a light to those who need us.
Let the Spirit Lead
I wish that I could say I never let my emotions get the best of me, especially when it comes to work. When I began my corporate job, God began to speak to me about my supervisor. I knew that he placed me there to minister to my boss. My emotions got in the way and due to them, I left the assignment prematurely.
It is a conviction I live with, and a cautionary tale to share.There’s not a better time to make sure we are grounded in our faith in Jesus. Before we make a move, we should seek God on what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Times may be uncertain, but Jesus is the cornerstone that our faith is built on (Ephesians 2:20).
Remember that until God says otherwise, we are still Marketplace Ministers on assignment. If we are led by our emotions instead of the Holy Spirit, we run the risk of leaving our post before God has had an opportunity to use us to show his love to someone who needs to experience it. But if we leave before the appointed time (because we are human), we know that our Father in Heaven is merciful and forgiving. Repentance is in order, and we should also pray for the person we left behind.
In all things, we should pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It is only when we do so that we can truly be spirit led.
Featured photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash; In-text Photo by Nicola Barts on Pexels
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Learn about Follower of One’s Marketplace Mission Trip here.
