Are you feeling stressed about work? I do know the feelings. As a content creator, I have a strong need to produce what the reader or viewer is looking for. It’s something that I’ve been dealing with for over a decade. For some people, it seems that I’ve an easy job. Oh? Really? I would beg to differ with such an opinion.
I’m not writing this blog post to talk about myself. For I am not the only person struggling with job stress. Of course, my situation is going to be different from yours and I’ll need to share my own ongoing experience. Content creation is a legit job and it’s one that needs to be taken seriously; not treated like a hobby.
Here’s a shocking idea, for you. “Have fun!” What are you serious? Oh, I am quite serious about that first tip. Over time, I’ve had to learn to relax and enjoy the job of creating content for my blog site, YouTube and the audio podcast platform. I am by no means the only person saying this. I’ve friends in other fields saying similar things.
When you enjoy the work that you’re doing then your stress level will be a lot lower than the person who hates what they’re doing. If you enjoy your work then you’re more likely to do your best. I do understand that not all jobs are fun or glamorous. It’s hard to glamorize a job of a waitress or waiter. They have a very tough and yet invaluable one.
What am I getting at? It’s the attitude of one’s heart that makes all the difference. Keep in mind, I am talking about a job that typically pays poorly. Don’t be afraid to ask Jesus for help with your own job; regardless of what you’re doing. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you with the attitude of your own heart and to let go of the need to complain.
As for me, I do enjoy my work. I’m well aware that my niche is not a big money maker and I could have chosen a different arena. However, I felt my current niche is the right place and chose to stay put. That’s right! You and I have a choice with respect to the work we do.
I would be remiss if I don’t share on an additional point. Some time ago, I posted a comment to a news article on the Epoch Times. My comment is in the same vein as what I just mentioned. Somebody made an interesting counterpoint.
He replied that he works multiple jobs. The first job is something he enjoys; however, it didn’t pay the bill. To remedy the situation, the man took a job that does pay the bills but doesn’t love doing. Yes, I do agree that we’re not always have jobs that we love doing. Yet, our heart’s attitude is still the key! Do not be afraid to ask God to help our hearts; especially with such jobs.
Let’s move on to the next point and it deals with conflicts. I know what some people are thinking. What does a blogger or YouTuber know about job conflicts and anxiety? Think again! Though it’s not the same thing as office related conflicts; it’s still the same thing. How about dealing with trolls? How about people jumping to conclusions about what you just written? How about a lack of useful feedback?
For the records, I did have office jobs in the past. So, I do understand the differences. You can’t put a gag on certain co-workers or employers. Here’s an idea. Do you ever think of praying for that annoying boss or employees? It’s easy to pray for the ones we have a good relationship. For other types, there is a natural tendency to strangle such individuals.
Yet, followers of Jesus are not called to act in such a manner. Here’s what Jesus says in Matthew 5:44-47
44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?
Matthew 5:44-47 NASB
Let’s apply the above quote to a job setting. Shall we? How are you doing with praying for that annoying employer or fellow co-workers? I will admit to doing poorly. I do not always think to pray for that one troll or the one person who jumped on me because of what I wrote. It’s not easy and we sometimes fail to bring the matter to Jesus.
Why would I want to bother God with my problems, at work? For one, God does care about the relationship we have with our fellow employees and employer. Because there is nothing that is hidden from God, it makes perfect sense to talk with Jesus. Don’t just complain about that unreasonable boss; rather, turn your complaints into proactive prayers for the person.
Here’s a hint to why I’m saying this. Years ago, I’ve had people share some unexpectedly odd things. At the time, I would be puzzled by this action. “What the heck is going on? Why am I being told this?” Unfortunately, I never thought to ask Jesus or thought to pray for the person. Guess what? I believe the Holy Spirit knew they needed prayer. It’s for that very purpose, the Spirit drew them to me.
Sounds familiar? It could be a subtle hint that they need prayer and are not able to communicate it. If they know that you’re a Christian then the person may have an unconscious need for your prayers. Do not be afraid to ask the Holy Spirit for confirmation. It’s always a good idea to ask God about any situation.
How is prayer related to lowering stress and anxiety levels? When we are worried or stressed, there is a definite tendency to take on a burden that we’re not supposed to carry. You and I can’t control what other people think or say. We can only control what we chose to say or do. You certainly are not going to help the situation by worrying.
It’s why a prayer life is essential for lowering your stress level at work. For you are choosing to surrender the issues to God. It’s good that you pray for that person and we need to leave it in our Father’s capable hands. Focus on what needs to be done and let Jesus take care of the person. Yes, it’s easy to say and challenging to do.
For me, the last point is the most challenging and an essential one for any content creators. I’m talking about time management. YouTube and blogging have one thing in common. They are both marathons and you need to plan for the long game. If you don’t then you’re likely to burn out because of all the stress.
As such, I need to develop a system that helps in the creation of suitable content. Did you notice that I said “system”? Here’s my understanding. A system is a series of routines designed to help you get to where you’re going. It’s not dependent on a schedule or goal.
Such a system did not arrive in 2009. Rather, it had to be developed over the passage of time. For one, I needed to build a sense of confidence in what God has called me into doing. Of course, I wasn’t given a detailed blueprint with a bunch of timestamps. I had to undergo a lot of training in what I’m doing. Hint: The training never ended. It’s ongoing!
I just didn’t learn about what topic to cover. I also learned from my failures and successes. They are both powerful helps in learning what to do. Failure is not a bad thing. It helps to learn what is working and why something failed. Don’t be afraid to talk with Jesus about both of these things. Get God’s perspective and not just your own.
Here’s the final reason for developing a healthy system. It helps to spend time in God’s Word, prayer and meditation. This strategy can go a long way towards reducing your stress and anxiety levels. Yes, it does help to have friends that you can talk with. Of course, you should always make a best friend of Jesus!
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