Today I sort of want to quit my job. There’s a good chance I won’t actually do it. But I kind of want to. And honestly, most Mondays I have some of these same desires. But I think there are predictable reasons for why this happens to me. And why it happens to many of you who are in ministry or high-demanding jobs.
Then I began thinking that if we took a hard look at why these feelings come it would help us.
1. Leaving it all on the field. Sundays are a day for many football teams to compete and give their all on the football field. For me it also happens to be the day we have our weekly youth service. Having that on top of all the responsibilities of our morning services ends up being a lot. I don’t like doing things halfway. So when I’m leading worship, counseling students, encouraging leaders, keeping a kid from killing another one, or speaking – I like to give it my all and leave it all out there on “the field.” Like an intense workout, it leaves me absolutely drained when it’s done.
2. People business is tiring business. I’m an extrovert. I find that many people (not all!) who are full time pastors are extroverts, as well. So that means we get energized by spending time with people. Regardless, people suck life out of you in ministry and business. Many other people won’t ever fully understand. But if you’re in the middle of it, you know! There are demands from nearly everyone in your organization. Your boss, the people you work with, and the people “under” you all have a list of often unsaid expectations. I often feel the weight of that on a Sunday when I’m nearly bombarded by people.
3. Seeing in 20/20 hindsight the issues that need fixed. On Mondays (and certainly Sunday nights afterward, as well) I can go through a list of all kinds of things I could have done better. I see little or big errors everywhere I look. We do this after “the big events” in our ministry or business world. It’s not because we want to be extra-critical. I believe it’s because we want what we do to be the best. It’s helpful to spot the areas where we dropped the ball. It’s important to notice where we could improve. If you’re like me, I’m always able to come up with that list weekly!
So those are the top 3 reasons I believe that many of us will find ourselves wanting to quit our high-demanding jobs on fairly predictable cycles (weekly for most of us). Or maybe it isn’t quitting as much as being disheartened. But don’t lose heart! Let me leave you with 3 reasons why you should keep going.
- Cowards play easy. Those who believe in their cause will spend all they have for it. It will wear you out, but you will accomplish much because you’ve been willing to sacrifice much.
- People can be exhausting, but there is no business without them. People business is business and ministry. You may benefit by finding some times to pull away, though. Even Jesus did this!
- Being able to spot your areas for improvement is crucial. But being able to spot where you succeeded is vital. It’ll keep you “living” in what you’re doing. So write down the list of critiques as they come to you. Then let them go! You don’t need to spend your mental energy the day after a big event critiquing. You need to rest.
Keep up the good work. Mondays will come, but they also go. So improve at what you’re doing and keep on doing it!