I had an interesting point brought up to me the other day that I would like your opinion on. There was something said to me by an older co-worker that initially bothered me, but the more I think about it, the more I’m actually not so bothered about what she said.
What she said was that I am from a different generation with a different view of work. (Boy, that sounds quite derogatory, huh?) What she meant is that her job is so important to her that she will work long hours to keep her job and excel in the workplace at the expense of time with her family and loved ones. She basically stated that my generation doesn’t have the dedication to our jobs that previous generations have/had because some of us don’t have the same priorities as she.
However, I got to thinking about what she said. I realized that I work just as hard as she does, but to me no job is worth keeping if I am taking away from other areas of my life: My God and my family especially. Now I understand the Biblical perspective of the family where the man is responsible for providing for his family, and it is thru hard work that this is accomplished. But my question is to all of you, because my priorities are 1) God, 2) Family 3)Work, and not 1) Work 2)Whatever 3) whatever, am I getting a bad rap? Is it really an X-Generation thing, or is it Christians getting a bad rap in the workplace? (Or both?)
What do you think?
Mike…
I think you’re just a slacker like spending extra time standing around the water cooler talking about fantasy football… just kidding. I think our generation is also less likely to work for one company for life… we tend to be more transient.
Good post.
it seems as though your co-worker was referring to your “generation” while you seem to be referring to your worldview. there are many people that are part of her “generation” that have our same worldview and therefore do not work their lives away, however, i think there are less in your “generation” that have her worldview and work like mad. i know, you have to read that sentence a few times, but my point is that i believe there is some truth to what she is saying. it seems as though gen “y” (not as much gen X) has this issue. christian or non-christian, there is a difference in the value of work and career. i’d be curious to see the statistics of how many “20 somethings” still live at home today vs. 30 years ago.
good stuff mike.
-J
Michael,
Interesting observation of a fellow worker who from external appearances seems obsessed with “work”. I believe generations come and obviously generations go, and each may exhibit certain general characteristics; but within each generation, those who claim the name of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour must owe ultimate allegiance and loyalty to Him. Biblical perspective and mandates must come first in our lives as we seek to live in our time and culture.
Dad Mariage