How often do we face difficult jobs, but never take the time to assess why the job is so difficult? I know when I'm tasked with a difficult job because my legs become lead, and my energy wanes. My body resists difficult jobs. I procrastinate. But why are some jobs so difficult?
Difficult tasks
Hard jobs typically include difficult tasks--tasks that are unpleasing, frustrating, tough-to-do, and emotional. These jobs bring forth unpleasant feelings.
Lack of support
Often, hard work is an uphill battle. While you do the job, those around you resist your efforts rather than support your work. It is difficult to do jobs that include a lot of resistance.
No gain
Difficult jobs often don't include a noticeable, positive gain, but instead seem like one-step-forward, two-steps-back efforts. The gains are small, often unnoticeable, and rarely fulfilling.
Emotionally draining
Hard jobs often drain you emotionally.
Way back, when my young children were in day care, I found that day care situations with one adult working with many babies and young children were very difficult jobs. By the end of the day, those women were often tired, frustrated, and somewhat sad. Later, I chose a childcare center over at-home day care because I found that the teachers were more energetic and positive. I believe that was because they worked in a place with more camaraderie, checks-and-balances, and breaks. It's very difficult to work alone with a large group of babies and young children all day, but it is easier if you have a supportive community to work with.
As I embark on elder care tasks, I think that might be true too. While many define senior centers as not as good as home care, I wonder if the best senior centers are better than home care since those working in those conditions have a team to work with, and the seniors have greater access to emotional/social supports too.
And, as I think more about difficult jobs such as elder care and others, I wonder how we can make these jobs more attractive and doable for us. Some actions that may help include the following:
- Find a supportive group. Stay clear of the detractors, and find a group that can support your best work.
- Set boundaries--you cannot do it all, and when you try, you may get discouraged. Figure out what you can do, and then do that well.
- Don't take negative languate and put-downs. Make it clear that language like that is unacceptable.
- Be open to suggestion--learn what you can about how to do this work well.
- Know that there is some sacrifice involved--there is a need in life to make sacrifices from time to time--these sacrifices generally result in good living in the long run. We all have to do our share.