Reinventing the 40-hour work week in the 21st Century – Meyer

According to a recent study conducted by the Center for American Progress, Americans now consider a 40-hour work week as “part time” in most professional jobs and as a sign of a stagnant career.

As a professional writer, college instructor, and owner of a small publishing company, I find myself working 70-80 hours per week, and still feeling that it isn’t enough. We are often told as authors that we must have at least 10,000 followers (Twitter, Facebook, blogs, etc.) but with social media reciprocation, this means that we also are following 10,000 people. How do you follow 10,000 people? And who is deceiving who?

With the inherited work ethic from our parents and the pressure of social media from our peers, most 21st century professionals “live lives of quiet desperation” neglecting family, friends, and our physical, emotional and spiritual health.

When you look back in history at all those brave men and women who fought so valiantly for the 8-hour work day and the 40-hour work week, it boggles the mind that we have now turned back the clock and re-shackled ourselves to their bondage. What would they think if they could see us now? We don’t have time for recreation. We don’t have time for our families. We don’t have time to lend a helping hand to a friend or neighbor. We don’t have time to go to church or take a stroll around the block or watch a sunset.

We see the problem but is it really possible to reinvent the 40-hour work week and make it a practical and sustainable lifestyle while still being successful in our chosen careers?

I say, “Yes!”

If we step away from our computers at 5:00 PM every day and stay away from them for two full days, what is the worst thing that could happen?

What is the best thing that could happen?

Want to join me in this grand adventure – and find out?

Dorene Meyer
http://www.dorenemeyer.com/
http://www.goldrockpress.com/

Author of Missy to be released March 26: http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/event-11168/Northern-Writers----Launch-of-Five-New-Books

Get Up, Get Dressed and Write - Harris

Get up and get dressed. Go out, and tell them whatever I tell you to say. Do not be afraid of them, or I will make you look foolish in front of them. Jeremiah 1:17

The Lord's words to the prophet Jeremiah, are simple, clear, and direct. To fulfill his prophetic mission, Jeremiah has to do something. In this case, get up, get dressed, and go outside, before he can convey his inspired words to the people. And he has get over his self-consciousness.

So, even prophets are subject to the mundane. Even prophets have to put forth a little effort. Even prophets have to take care of daily business. Even prophets need to stop navel gazing.

How many times have you heard these words? "If you are called to write for a living, Jesus will supply the money you need to live, bring you assignments, and inspire you to write?"

Did you believe it? How well did that approach work for you? For how long?

If you are like me, you soon found that inspiration flows best when you pick up your pen or sit at your keyboard even though you'd rather cut your toe nails. And maybe you've found that you write best when a deadline pressures you.

Did you also find that prose you write, in rare moments when words flow effortlessly, usually needs editing in the cold, hard post-inspiration light?

For me, waiting for inspiration can be a be a way to avoid work. Worrying too much about what people think tempts me to shy away from writing uncomfortable truths. The best way for me to serve God as a writer is to get up, get dressed, and get to work.

Jane Harris