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Anonymous
11/18/19 at 4:15PM UTC
in
Career

Occupational Depression

Greetings to those of the online community. My thoughts pertain to Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman." I neither understood nor appreciated the text while I was in high school; however, I have discovered similarities between Willy Lowman and myself. Today, I am writing to bring up an important detail that I find is often overlooked. Occupational depression is a common case in a variety of workers; in those who are mistreated by management; in those who are under paid for extra work demanded by superiors; and in those who have been striving for a career choice that is left unfulfilled. Regardless of the reason, there should be more awareness to occupational depression. I'm writing this because I tend to fall into this category- I have a Bachelor's degree in English and Sociology but still work in a retail environment that does not pay adequately. Please do not think this post is over emotional and written for self help needs. I am addressing an issue that some people may experience but do not know how to mend their pain. After all, working with superiors who lack compassion and awareness can add to the frustration of going to your job. We live in a society dictated by a mechanical system of working day after day. However, one's workplace should be a happy place- an environment we look forward to clocking in and interacting with those around us. Though, the perfect job seems to not exist- we must continue to remain positive. Despite the feelings of self inadequacy and despair- those who suffer from occupational depression need to look into further options. No matter how many times you are rejected from a new position, you must continue to look elsewhere. No one deserves to suffer and begin hating themselves for feeling trapped in a workplace where supervisors only think of their employees as resources. We are all humans who need to see each other more as sisters and brothers- who need to reach out to those who appear to have an internal struggle. By even a simple act of kindness and gesture of support, we can show these individuals that they are not alone. When the going gets tough, we have to push ourselves even greater. We cannot allow ourselves to be placed in a situation or environment that makes us desire an end. Last year, I wanted to die- however, this year I want to fly. I want to become a writer- an artist- but no matter the difficulty in achieving that goal: I won't stop. I encourage you to think about those who you work with- do they seem to behave differently than what you're used to seeing? Or maybe you find yourself thinking that it is better to give up? Whatever the situation is, we cannot allow occupational depression to continue to exist. We must spread awareness when we can and give a light to those in need of support. Overall, we must inspire the working communities to end their corporate cold mentality and rebuild themselves with a greater sense of compassion. I know this is difficult and may not be done with regards to the greed in the world. However, there is no reason to stop fighting against this sort of corruption. All I ask, is that we work together as sister and brother- defending each other against the harsh negativities that find their way in the workplace. With all of that said: Thank you for listening.

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User deleted comment on 11/27/19 at 12:44PM UTC
Anonymous
11/21/19 at 8:18PM UTC
The employer I worked with for 20 years sold out to a larger entity. I went from having a owner/boss, to a micro-manager with ego issues. She was a tyrant, who was unsupportive and unappreciative. I quit my job, took a lesser role, and a pay cut. While it felt good to get her off my back, I now struggle with the lack of meaningful work. I enjoyed my role before her and was extremely successful in it, producing measurable results. Now I find my work completely unfulfilling. My new job is just that.... Just a job with a paycheck. I have been extremely depressed as it's difficult to see how I can get back to meaningful work. And I admit, I have sometimes wondered if I am even up to the struggle to find meaningful work again. It all seems so unfair and overwhelming. The tyrant Director continues in her role, now traumatizing someone new, while I feel like I've been quite literally pushed to the curb.
Anonymous
11/27/19 at 4:50PM UTC
For just a moment, consider that this idea of "meaningful work" is a construct that you created at some point in your life - whether it was from your family, books, TV, whatever. Many of us have this ideal, even a vital need, of working in a place where we are valued and appreciated and can stay for many, many years. Maybe even retire after 35 years and be presented with a gold watch. I submit to you that's just a story someone told us once. We liked the idea and we kept it in our personal set of beliefs. We believe we should be treated well (and have a very specific definition of "well"). You believe she's a micromanaging tyrant because she meets the definition you've created. Consider that it's just made up. It's just a set of beliefs you created over a period of time. Not right. Not wrong. Just what's so. She's really just a woman who's company bought a smaller company, and she's trying to survive every day, with new people who may or may not like her. Ugh. That's sucks for her. Find your meaning in other things. Volunteer. Join a choir. Go to church. Start to babysit. Go to Zumba. Play kickball. Learn to play the piano. What do you love? Go and do that too - work is not life. Life is life. This business of having work be our meaning is a slippery slope.
Anonymous
11/27/19 at 1:56AM UTC
God bless you. It's a shame that people can't appreciate those they work with- even if they are in a "lower" position than they are. At the end of the day we are all people and should not allow a job status to give us the thought that we are better than others. I wish you well and pray that a new opportunity may come to you or at least may someone realize how poor in character this director is. Stay blessed ?
Anonymous
11/21/19 at 6:49PM UTC
Thank you, I'm glad that a blessing came out of a seemingly poor situation. You're right, in time everything finds balance. I know this and hate myself when I feel as though I'm relapsing in depression. You know, even through seeing these responses- I find that it really is true that people need one another. You all are strangers, but share the same earth and lifetime as myself. We are not as strange as we think- we came together through a common misfortune. That power, that sense of community, is the real solution in coping with depression in any form. I thank you all for sharing just a bit of your experiences and what you discovered to be helpful. God bless you all?
Anonymous
11/21/19 at 6:45PM UTC
There's a great quote from another article today that's worth reading: “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.” – Steve Jobs I agree, it would be wonderful if we all loved what we do, because we spend a lot of time doing it, but that responsibility is on us. Companies aren't people. They're made up of people. Seek out those amazing people and hang out with them. If there isn't a single amazing person at your job, go somewhere else to find them. Sometimes a job is just a job until you find the right one.
Anonymous
11/27/19 at 1:52AM UTC
Thank you for the reminder. I will try harder to think of those who I do not mind the company of at work. Like some of you have said, one's position is temporary- should we be disappointed in our current state, then there will be a time when we can find a better place. The real thing to remember too I guess is that we could be somewhere worse or without work. God bless and may everyone be able to find the opportunity that they have been hoping for. ?
Rinku Thomas
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11
11/21/19 at 6:38PM UTC
I can totally relate to this... When I do return to the corporate world...I hope I can be more understanding and help others who might be feeling depressed .
Anonymous
11/21/19 at 6:35PM UTC
Be patient and try new things. At 55 my job was eliminated. I had worked at law firms for almost 30 years and this break gave me a chance to try something new. I now work at a community college and have returned to school to earn my bachelor's degree. I enjoy the work I do and have a wonderful, supportive new boss. Stay strong and always believe something good is going to happen.
godboss4529
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127
Writer, Editor
11/21/19 at 5:15PM UTC
I have a BA in English and Education and worked happily for a wonderful company for 27 years - then was laid off. In my current position, I am faced with a bipolar manager, who really has no clue on how to manage. She lacks compassion most of the time, is (I think) intentional unclear in what she wants, micromanages and insists on her way, often throwing off deadlines. But, alas, I need the paycheck, and so I struggle with keeping a positive attitude and question often whether I should see another position elsewhere.
Anonymous
11/21/19 at 6:45PM UTC
I think no one deserves to be places under the supervision of someone with that nature. To those who have a mental disorder- they deserve help in bettering themselves and pulling out of a dark place in mind. However, to anyone who intentionally mistreats and mishandles situations- they should not be in charge. Yet- such is true with how I think of my boss- there was someone who placed them in that position. Additionally, deciding on removing them for poor character and placing trust in a new manager may be out of bounds for the company's higher management staff. I think that for you and those in a similar situation- you must decide how you feel. If your heart and spirit wants to break from the despair, then you must look elsewhere. We all have a calling and we all have control of our destiny- no matter how difficult it is to see our strength at times. My prayer for you, may you be able to find happiness in what you do. Even if that happiness is found elsewhere. Money and materials do not compare to the importance of yourself and your right to live happily. Stay blessed and positive. ?
Peg Bittner
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620
retired auditor now into volunteering
11/21/19 at 5:04PM UTC
I paid the price dearly for putting up with the treatment you talk about of supervisors and managers. It is at times very difficult to break through the walls of "we always have done it this way and will continue to do so." Along with looking down on people who came in from other companies with years of service. It is hard at times to show and prove your true worth to some people and to keep believing in oneself when there is constant berating pouring into your ears and those around you. The key thing to always have in the back of your head is, there is help out in the world to help you get through this time, while you are looking to get out of a situation that does nothing but assassinate your self worth. We are all good working people, we just have to find the companies that don't wear blinders.
Anonymous
11/21/19 at 6:38PM UTC
God bless you and thank you. I'm sure many people need to hear this too. Stay blessed and may more joy come to your life?
Jamilla Segar
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658
11/19/19 at 7:04PM UTC
Thanks for sharing! I have a similar background but have never read Death of A Salesman. It is now a must for me!
Anonymous
11/19/19 at 8:13PM UTC
You're welcome. I pray that you have been doing better in finding your path. ? it's not easy, but we still have to follow our hearts. Have a blessed day and enjoy the read.
Jamilla Segar
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658
11/20/19 at 12:41AM UTC (Edited)
As for a path, I wouldn't say i'm doing any better. I have an english degree as well but ended up gaining lots of retail experience. I've had other jobs here and there but I recently had my resume examined in it just reads like I am only good at customer service and my education now has "no value." This is very frustrating. The economy was not so great when I graduated I had a voluntary internship in order to gain experience but then stopped. Mainly because I applied for an internship with someone and after explaining my experience, he wanted me to work a voluntary internship with him as I continued with the other one. I didn't take it of course. Without wages, I couldn't see how these experiences were furthering my career goals. Customer service did not help me further any goals but helped me pay bills... Anyway i'm seeing the frustration in a lot of people's posts dealing with the effects of lay offs, dead end jobs, not finding meaningful employment, never bouncing back from the last recession, etc. I think the FGB community should be facing these concerns in terms of articles and how to cope.
Anonymous
11/20/19 at 6:10PM UTC
I believe in the same. It is more valuable to discuss how to cope with these stressful situations; rather than simply complain. Sometimes I prefer to start a topic and see where others take it. Which is why I'm glad you have responded. I know the perfect job seemingly cannot exist. But that tends to be because we have not found that position yet. Sometimes we stick ourselves in the mentality that we should take one career path- however, in reality, we should be open to exploration. No matter the difficulty in obtaining a dream job- we must remember positivity. At times we are places in environments, for not just our own benefits , but to be a guide onto others. Whatever the case may be, we must continue to stay strong? money is not everything- finding a reason to be alive is what matters most.

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