Complaining is a nasty virus that can overtake the mind and ruin the mood of others in the room. Complaining usually leads no where and often creates a feeling of "loser" towards the one doing the complaining. It is not that you cannot stand up for yourself when work environments are intolerable, but really...in the United States! Intolerable would take on a completely new definition if we lived in Haiti right now.
So let's establish perspective. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation’s unemployment rate is hovering around 10%. Even more troubling, The New York Times reports that unemployed people are spending longer periods between jobs. In December of 2008, only 22.9% of people were unemployed for 27 weeks or longer. A year later, in December of 2009, a whopping 37.8% of people were unemployed for 27 weeks or more. That means that nearly 40% of our nation’s unemployed are going without jobs for nearly seven months.
I found this list on the internet this morning. I also am in a smart-alecky mood so don't take my statements too seriously. Here are the 10 areas in which to stop complaining:
1. Your salary. Be appreciative you have a job and any kind of steady income.
2. Disappearing perks. Companies have been forced to eliminate unnecessary expenses so they can stay afloat. Perks cost a company money.
3. Your personal life. Most people really don't want to spend great deals of time listening to your family troubles. Find an appropriate time and place to share and pray with others.
4. Your workload. Guess what. Most everyone works hard and has stress.
5. Lack of nearby food options. That's what hot pockets are for!
6. Your cube or office. Space is costly to companies and so they attempt to maximize every sq. foot to get the most work done to generate revenue.
7. Your temperature. It is so difficult to have everyone happy on this one. That's what clothing is for...bring an extra sweater or snuggy.
8. Your boss/manager. Most everyone struggles with the "one in charge". If you were the boss, some people might even struggle with you!
9. Your elusive promotion or raise. Everyone would like to receive a step up in the company...more authority. In this environment remember...it is good just to have a job.
10. Your commute. It is pointless to complain about the driving patterns of other people. You cannot only control yourself.
Always nice to have a reminder. :) I could be smart alecky back about how corporations are saving money at the expense of the employees and want us to "just be thankful we have a job" so they can get away with increasing their profits - the rich get richer and the middle class gets poorer and poorer - but I won't :)
Posted by: Rebecca Lewis | 03/11/2010 at 12:52 PM