Valuable Life Lessons from the Workplace: Building Resilience and Authenticity
Back in my early 20s, when I was 19, I made a significant mistake that taught me a valuable lesson. This experience, and the subsequent lessons I learned, continues to guide and shape my life today. I believe these lessons are important for everyone to learn at some point in their lives.
The Early Mistake
Working at a bar right out of high school, I started by picking up empty glasses and cleaning ashtrays. I took the job seriously and worked hard for several months to learn the ropes. During this time, a newcomer joined the team and spent a week picking up glasses. Instead of waiting to be promoted to the bar, he was promoted before me. This felt incredibly unfair, and I was crushed, embarrassed, and felt cheated.
Feeling aggrieved, I shared my concerns with some colleagues. Before I could learn the importance of discussing issues directly with those involved, my manager found out about my conversations and dismissed me from the job that day. It was a harsh lesson, but it was the perfect opportunity for me to learn the importance of not speaking behind people's backs and addressing issues directly with them.
Resilience and Stoicism
The experience taught me the importance of resilience and staying grounded, especially in situations outside of our control. Drawing from Stoic philosophy, I learned that others are not within our control, and we must focus on the situation at hand. Stoicism teaches us to maintain composure and rationality in the face of unfair circumstances.
Additionally, I realized that just because everyone around me seemed happy and getting along doesn't mean the same is true for everyone else. My job was lucrative, and I was surrounded by people who seemed like "like-minded people." However, my respected mentor warned me that it's easy to be nice when everything is going well, but true character is revealed during times of adversity. This rings true in my current role and in my personal life.
Standing Before God
Another significant lesson I learned later in life is the importance of authenticity before God. Many of us, when putting on an act of religiosity, encounter a mere facade. True faith and connection with God come from being honest and open with Him, especially during challenging times. The Psalms, a book of wisdom and expressions of human emotions, can serve as a guide in this journey.
As a younger believer, I never felt comfortable pouring out my pain, regrets, and anger to God. I believed that my prayers needed to be something grandiose, like praying for world peace. However, a friend of mine realized that expressing his anger and frustration through curse words and sharing his deep regrets offered a healing and transformative experience. After addressing his issues directly, he experienced the profound presence of Jesus, which he had never felt before. This encounter resulted in life-changing healing.
God's love is beyond our comprehension, and true faith comes from vulnerability and honesty. It's often in the most vulnerable moments that we experience God's grace most powerfully. By being authentic, we allow ourselves to experience the fullness of God's love and mercy.
Conclusion
From my early experiences in the workplace to my personal faith journey, the lessons I learned are invaluable. I encourage everyone to embrace these lessons: don't speak behind people's backs, focus on what you can control, and be authentic with God. These lessons will help build resilience and foster deeper, more meaningful connections in life.