It feels great when we work with people we respect and/or like, in a job we enjoy. No job is perfect of course, but generally we know whether we are happy or not overall.
If you have ever been stuck in a job where you are constantly exposed to negativity (constant complaining, put downs, bullying, politics, manipulation etc) you will know how stressful it can be. Long term stress, even relatively low grade, as we know, is very destructive for us. Mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually.
The people you work with can make your daily life heaven or hell. And we do know this on a deep level. The vast majority of my clients or course participants, when listing criteria for work they want, include ‘working with great people’.
Now I often say we are responsible for our feelings and thoughts, and we are. I want to point out that a logical extension of that could be assumed to be that we should be able to control our state and maintain our own positivity no matter what the circumstances. This is limited when we are in a long term stressful situation. It is still our responsibility to manage this for ourselves but it may require action rather than just managing our thoughts and feelings. If you find yourself in a long term stressful situation in a stressful working environment you have two choices:
- You might choose to stay because what you have to gain long term is worth it. In this case you need to look at what you can change to make the situation better.
- You might choose to leave because you recognise it will cost you more in the long term to stay.
Choice is power. You have the power to choose what you think is best for you, it is also your responsibility since no one else actually knows what is best for you (even when they think they do). You are never powerless or stuck so long as you recognise you have a choice. And there is always a choice.
Ongoing stress is bad for you and if you are willing to work and contribute your energy and talents to the world, you deserve to work with great people in a great situation and enjoy what you do.