job and working

[K.Dhamma]

I just can't seem to be happy at work. I keep trying to follow the "be in the moment" thing but it only works for so long. I am a social worker, but the stress just destroys me. I can't sleep right, insomnia, etcetera. How do I change my perception? I just can't seem to shake this feeling whenever i am at wor and I am about ready to put in my 2 weeks. What am I to do?

[cooran]

Hello K.Dhamma,

Have you discussed the matter with your professional and operational supervisors?

with metta
Chris

[K.Dhamma]

Yes I have. They tell me that if I can't handle it then I need to move on. The stress comes from management as well as my clients.

[ground]

Quit

Or change focus. if the job is stressful use it to find out how much you can bear or what kind of methods you can apply to bear it or bear it better. There has to be a benefit for yourself, if it is not the money then it may be to learn about dukkha and how to deal with it, to learn about yourself etc. Forget about the conventional purpose of the job, use it for your own benefit but be ready to quit if necessary. Do not appreciate the job. To lose the job is similar dying ... it may happen any time. Become detached from the job while doing it.

[cbonanno]

Quit

Or change focus. if the job is stressful use it to find out how much you can bear or what kind of methods you can apply to bear it or bear it better. There has to be a benefit for yourself, if it is not the money then it may be to learn about dukkha and how to deal with it, to learn about yourself etc. Forget about the conventional purpose of the job, use it for your own benefit but be ready to quit if necessary. Do not appreciate the job. To lose the job is similar dying ... it may happen any time. Become detached from the job while doing it.

Awesome. I like your point and it shows in the original question. Buddhism is not a teaching to be used to "change your perspective". The "be in the moment thing"...argh, oh what these new agers have wrought upon the Buddha's teaching. Being in the moment does not get rid of suffering, it is a full acceptance of suffering so you can examine it.

[K.Dhamma]

Ty ground and cbonano. After reading your post i did some deep thinking and had an "ah ha!" Moment. You are so right. I guess I was putting to much emphasis on the attachment to the job. I was giving it too much value and that appears to be causing my discomfort. I plan on quitting. The last 2 nights I have worked have been absolute hell.

Sorry for the new ager comments. It appears I am still green under the gills. I have a lot of learning to do. I appreciate all of your wise words, and I am planning on putting in my 2 weeks tomorrow.

[SarathW]

Hi K.Dhamma
I have a very stressful job. I organise and communicate effectively.
I do the best I can do and am mindful about the stress.
Do not think monks’s life is not stressful. (my observation).
There is a book call “Three minute monkey management” Please read it.
You can't quit the life! Good luck.