Wow. What a day yesterday was. The Dow lost more than 500 points. The worst day since the attacks of September 11th.
I have to admit I was fairly oblivious to it since I was working furiously all day. When I went to a web browser though I'd discover the latest update...first 300 points...then 500...I couldn't read the stories...I was afraid I'd get sick.
I think days like this are tough for many of us Christians. We know in our hearts that it's wrong to "lay up treasures on earth" but at the same time we live IN the world while we're trying not to be OF the world. We need money to buy food, clothes, medicine...pay our mortgage, insurance, and taxes.
How is it possible to not panic when something like this happens?
Well, we naturally start thinking about how this impacts us personally, so let's look at what you can do at work to deal with this.
1. Read the handwriting on the wall. Are you working for a company experiencing financial problems? Are you in an industry that's heading into or already in a downturn? I hate to be blunt but get your resume and cover letter ready. Start reading the classifieds. Find out how to post your resume confidentially on the big job boards like Monster, Hot Jobs, and Careerbuilder. Look for niche job boards that serve your profession or industry.
2. Consider changing industries. You have plenty of marketable skills (and if you don't then I suggest you get some). Think about the industries that are doing well or at least OK at this point and start reading want ads for employers within your commuting range. Here's a great idea that I can't remember where I got it...go to a big job board like Monster and enter in your best skills and hit "search". See what jobs come up and in what industries. Two industries that are doing well are healthcare (and always will) and education. Can you move to one of them or to an industry that supplies them?
3. Take stock of your financial health and resolve to get fit. My husband and I have been reducing our expenses for the past few years but there are probably areas we could still spend less on. But there are some we don't want to spend less on (like buying bird seed or gardening supplies). Look where you can cut back and try to make saving fun and healthy. Ride your bike or walk to the store if you can (I did this just today). Is it worth it to give up your gym membership? Maybe not since it lowers your stress and keeps you healthy which pays off in general but could you switch to a cheaper gym?
4. Think about where your priorities are and if God is truly at the center of our lives. It's so easy to get distracted by worries and easy to focus on the wonderful carrots dangling in front of us (the big promotion...the corner office...the cars...). It's oh so easy to put faith and God in their little compartments and bring them out on Sunday. One thing that's helped me get focused and stay focused is taking time to pray several times a day. I start the day with prayer and thanksgiving, I pray around lunch time, again at the end of the work day, and then before going to sleep. I use a personal sized prayer book but you can just use the Bible and read a passage each time...whatever works for you.
Do you think those are good suggestions? What are you doing to stay calm and focused on your faith?
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