THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE WHEN SWITCHING JOBS
Caller: My current job is going quite well. The employee benefits are fairly attractive, but the work keeps me extremely busy, and honestly, it is very taxing. Because of that, I’m seriously considering switching jobs. However, since our company is short-handed, I would feel guilty about leaving, as though I would be letting my co-workers down. I’d appreciate it if Master could give me some guidance.
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s very simple. If you feel the job is causing you too much pressure and you can’t take it anymore, it is perfectly normal to consider switching jobs.
Whether it is with your boss or anyone else, what matters is your heart. As long as you do not do anything that betrays their trust, there is nothing wrong with honestly expressing your intentions. That said, you should first secure a better job before you do so.
It is also commendable if you have the intention to spend more time on spiritual cultivation and to propagate the Dharma. It goes without saying, having the intention to help more people is always a noble goal.
If you are so bogged down at work or tied down by someone that you don’t even have the most basic freedom of religion, perhaps it is time to reconsider your options. it is just like in relationships, why do so many married men end up parting from their wives? Often it is because their wives do not trust them and try to control them, leaving them feeling imprisoned. Mutual respect and trust are essential in any relationship. We should try our best to trust others because a lack of trust can ultimately lead to tragedy.
You will understand what I mean if you read Othello by William Shakespeare. Othello had an exceptionally good wife, yet he failed to trust her. Consumed by suspicion, Othello eventually killed her. When the truth was revealed, Othello was overwhelmed with regret and remorse, and in his despair, he took his own life beside his wife’s body. What a tragedy!
Isn’t this how we humans are? It’s important to understand others’ hearts. Do you understand? There is nothing wrong with sincerely praying to Guan Yin Bodhisattva for an opportunity, as long as you do so in an appropriate and proper way. If you feel sorry for your manager, just help him a little more; this is natural.
You have your own life to live, and so do others. The Earth will not stop spinning for anyone. If you leave, do you really think the company will collapse? Impossible! You are overestimating yourself.
Caller: I understand. That means I need to pray more to Bodhisattva and recite the scriptures more diligently.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Pray more to Bodhisattva, but most importantly, your reason must be legitimate. Switching jobs just for the sake of it is not right.
Caller: I sincerely hope to have more time for my recitation and eventually help more people.
Master Jun Hong Lu: In the past, many people worked in understaffed environments and suffered tremendous pressure. Only after they changed jobs did they realise that no matter how good something seems, there is always something better. They once thought their ex-employer treated them well, only to discover their new employer treated them even better.
Some people have wives who are harsh or difficult. One day, when they truly can’t bear it anymore, or when their affinity has come to an end, they may meet someone who treats them better. These things do happen – it all depends on one’s predestined affinity. This is why, in life, we should not push things to the extreme. We should always leave ourselves some room for manoeuvre. Just like a train, even if it crashes into a wall and is badly damaged, it can still come to a stop and reverse direction. So what’s the big deal?
Source: Wenda20131208B 19:52, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
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