4 Responses When You Hate Your Job

The majority of people who leave their jobs, do so because of their boss. Whether you have a nasty employer, a soul-sucking job, or a difficult relationship; these 4 possible responses to poor working conditions are relevant. They are illustrated by Jacob (Genesis 31) who had a lousy boss. Even worse, it was his father-in-law.

1. Get Out. You can get so fed up that you just leave. Jacob had reason to do that: bad feelings, unfair treatment, insufficient pay, even God's leading. But he ran like a roach in a restaurant. (Gen. 31:1-18) There are all kinds of reasons to quit a job, end a relationship, leave a church. Be careful, even if you are right, you can do it wrong. We usually exit situations before we ever learn what we should or because we aren't willing to do the hard thing.

2. Get Even. When Jacob left, he took everything he thought belonged to him. His wife Rachel also grabbed a few parting gifts. She stole something of great value. (Gen. 31:19-32) An estimated 75% of all employees steal at least once. How do people justify that? "I didn't get that raise." "I'm not paid overtime." "I do so much for this company and get so little." Getting even is always wrong.

3. Get Mad. Jacob vents. He sounds off, not realizing what his wife had done (Gen. 31:32-37). We don't have all the facts about a situation, even when we know we do. While expressing anger might feel good, it does more harm than good. Yelling, accusing, blaming accomplishes nothing. The Bible says: "Man's anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires."

4. Pursue Peace. How can this be an option when the boss drives you crazy, the company is a heartless machine, your spouse is scary, your in-laws psychotic?

• Define the problem, not the person. Pursuing peace doesn't mean holding your peace, staying silent, avoiding conflict. It is confronting issues openly and honestly. Deal with What and not Why. (Gen. 31:38-42. Don't attribute motives to people when they do stuff you don't like.
• Choose relationship over revenge. Jacob and Laban see the common ground they have as family (Gen. 31:43-55). Maybe you can't work with someone, but don't burn bridges. 
• Fear God most of all. (Gen. 31:53) No matter how the other party acts, you are ultimately out to please God. When injustice happens, when you don't get a fair deal, you know that even if it never gets resolved now, there is a day coming when all will be made right.

Though you are tempted to get out, get even, or get mad, know that in every situation, the Lord Jesus has empowered you to pursue peace. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.