We’ve all been stuck in jobs we hate for one reason or another — for example, when a workplace doesn’t share our values. It’s a tough job market right now, but we can still take our agency back. Let’s explore how to move past feelings of bitterness and alienation and find vocational niches that support our sense of faith and ethics.
Dr. Green,
In my workplace, an alien from outer space would fit better than me. My soul is wounded daily by the wanton waste and neglect of the natural resources I see. For example, despite having a full galley with a sink for washing dishes, the company springs for disposable plates, cups, plastic cutlery and even those smoky plastic coffee straws! Toilet paper rolls are thrown away before they are empty. The same goes for detergent bottles, soap containers, and more. Good, usable products end up in the trash for no apparent reason, and don’t get me started on food waste. I try to set an example by never using disposables and practicing efficiency, but no one ever follows through. I’m pretty sure I’m the only vegetarian within a 15-mile radius of our home port.
I’m desperately looking for another job, grinding my teeth (the dentist told me I have bruxism), communicating as little as possible (they’ll never listen. They already think I’m a freak. Guess what news channel they watch?), using “non-empty” items, “trying to keep up with them by cursing the environmentalist” (trying to be the best earthling next to mom). To avoid exploding in eco-rage. Can I do anything else for myself?
Breathing exercises and meditation aren’t cutting it. After almost a year of trying they are not helping. I’m just very high energy. Need to hire a great mariner instead of destroying the environment involved in trying to repair any research ships or companies?
hello friend,
I certainly understand your frustration — it’s clear you’re unhappy and want to find a position that’s a better cultural fit. This can be difficult in a soft job market. On the other hand, if you expend too much energy Eco-RageYou will have little left to find a well-fit position and workplace with transparency.
Musicians go where there are other musicians and musical opportunities, engineers go where engineering is, and environmentalists go where environmentalism is cultivated and promoted in practice and action. Let’s see if we can help make it happen for you.
What is Eco-Rage?
You may not have realized it when you used the phrase, but “eco-rage” is a very real and common feeling—though not always productive.
Eco-rage is an intense negative emotional response to other people’s lack of concern for the environment – an overwhelming sense of helplessness when others around you do not seem to share your urgent concerns. It can increase antisocial aggression and even cause you to lash out at coworkers, family, and friends or strangers. You become isolated because you can’t control your emotions or actions, and growing fatalism can make you hurt more or close into depression. related to Climate disaster.
At the same time, as you become obsessed with negativity, your brain starts releasing chemicals that further degrade your system physically and mentally.
Anger can be a destructive force, but it can also be a powerful catalyst for positive change. A desire for a better world and an anger at natural destruction are at the heart of environmentalism. Try refocusing your anger toward finding a new job, career, or avocation; Cultivate intelligent control over runaway emotions. Get out of your own way.
Here are some suggestions for working with your eco-rage to develop skills in self-resource and inner strength so you can more productively explore new opportunities and feel validated and supported. (And see the resource guide below for more information.)
Talk to a therapist
To identify and organize your overwhelming feelings, it’s a great idea to enlist the help of an objective person trained in one-on-one sessions where you can narrow down your feelings and separate each bad feeling into an item to explore how to cope.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained and bound by law in this regard Code of Ethics (equivalent to the Hippocratic Oath for medical professionals) to maintain confidentiality. Make sure to work with legally licensed and certified mental health professionals. Most health insurance plans cover the therapy (at least, in network and in your home state). And some remote or distant psychological services will also accept health insurance. see the revealerof “Dr. Green: The Therapist-Patient Relationship” For more resources on finding help.
I recommend engaging with a mental health professional to understand your current emotional state and learn coping skills. While you’re looking for that new job, the job you’re stuck with can be a good place to challenge yourself by practicing your newfound self-control techniques.
Develop emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence Refers to the ability to recognize and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. This skill requires awareness, the ability to identify your own emotions, and the effort to redirect those emotions into strategic and creative thinking to solve problems.
Stop cleaning up after your coworkers or “educating” them. When people perceive they are being scolded or preached at — especially in a pervasive culture like the one you describe — they get defensive and dig in. Just let it go, stop observing them and work on yourself instead Set an example through your silent actions (which can be more effective than we think, because those who respond to them often do so silently). At work, address your own feelings and behavior. Anger is wasted energy that is best used in strategic planning for future employment.
Consider Stoicism
Stoicism is a philosophy that focuses on developing emotional control and inner fortitude regardless of external circumstances. It emphasizes separating what is within our control from what is not in our control, practicing self-discipline and accepting what comes. It is great for gaining and projecting inner strength, focus and resilience.
All philosophies are imperfect, but taking some wisdom from each can help you define yourself clearly in self-empowerment. My personal blend of humanism, nihilism and stoicism has been invaluable in both my personal and professional life.
Here are some ideas from Stoicism:
“Anyone who can anger you becomes your master; he can only anger you when you allow yourself to be angered by him.” – Epictetus
“If you want to prosper, be content to be foolish and foolish.” – Epictetus
“Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine is nearly identical to the one I am about to criticize?” — Marcus Aurelius
“You have power over your mind – not external events. Realize this, and you will have power.” — Marcus Aurelius
A few words of advice on job-hunting
If you’re applying for a job now, make sure your resume and cover letter are objective and unbiased. Delete any editorial comments that may reflect your negative feelings about your current job. If you come to an interview, don’t say a single negative thing about your current or previous employers and colleagues. Just say you’re looking for a new position because you’re ready for new challenges and leave it at that.
I am telling you because I once got the best job of my life without complaining about my previous employers. The hiring manager didn’t know I was being brutally bullied by two managers at the job I was at while HR did nothing and co-workers looked the other way so they wouldn’t be harassed too. I focused on my strengths and what I could bring to the new job—not what was holding me back.
Now stop wasting your energy on other people’s actions and work on finding a job where you feel appreciated for the values you hold dear.
Cheers,
Green Dr
All participants are anonymous. Even Dr. Green has no idea who you are.
Submit your questions and stories to Dr. Green below:
All questions are intended for disclosure; Published questions will be kept anonymous. Individual answers are not possible.
See you next time!
Disclaimer: This column is not a substitute for therapy, and the advice given is educational in nature, not a substitute for professional psychological or psychiatric therapy. It is a peer-driven support effort by The Revelator to inform and build communities with environmental and wildlife protectors.
If you’re feeling critically depressed and suicidal, it’s time to seek professional help immediately. Go to your nearest emergency room or call the following numbers to get immediate help in your area:
Suicide Hotline
Worldwide: http://www.befrienders.org/support/
United Kingdom: http://www.samaritans.org
United States: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
1-800-273-talk
Jobs in environmental marine fields (Although I don’t know what kind of mariner you are):
Search engine terms: Environmental Marine Jobs
Reservation Job Board – https://www.conservationjobboard.com
Environmental jobs – https://environmentaljobs.com
Green Jobs Network – https://greenjobs.net
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) – https://www.unep.org/work-with-us
Conservation International – https://www.conservation.org/conservation-international-jobs
Environmental Career Center – https://environmentalcareer.com
Activate green – https://enable.green
(These should get you started!)
Emotional intelligence – A good resource to start with: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/emotional-intelligence
Eco-Grift and Psychotherapy Support Resources: Many of these groups are donation-based or free, or will accept your insurance, offering an important outlet for those who feel isolated in their climate concerns.
Wealth of Stoicism
How to Be Stoic: 9 Stoic Exercises to Get You Started
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This post was Previously published on THEREVELATOR.ORG and republished in Medium.
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