The “I’m just grateful to have a job” mentality predates the pandemic but the massive wave of unemployment definitely supercharged it. But let’s stop for a moment and really think about it.
Is grateful the right word when it comes to unemployment?
Should we really be thanking every interviewer that gives our resume a once over or tell our boss we appreciate them every chance we get?
Here’s what the experts have to say.
● Being Grateful Is As American Apple Pie. Psychologist Alex Wood from the London School of Economics and Political Science says Americans feel the most obligated to be thankful for employment. Because our culture is so individualistic, even the smallest favors seem huge. Studies show we say “thank you” more often than any other country and it’s often in situations others wouldn’t think it’s necessary. Like for example being employed.
● The Problem With Gratitude. You may be thinking ‘what’s the harm in being thankful to get a paycheck?’ Nothing if it’s genuine. However, in times like these, gratitude tends to become pressured and forced. This is when you start running the risk of “gratitude bypassing.” Psychotherapist Sarah Greenberg says this when you stifle a negative emotion and force yourself into being grateful. Like “my boss treats me like crap… but I’m so grateful just to have my job.” Pretty toxic right?
We should really only be expressing gratitude to our employers when it’s authentic and when they’re truly being altruistic. Wood says “if they really do deserve your thanks, it’s likely to make you more content in your job overall [but] if they don’t, you’re in a better position to assess why not, and take steps to change your situation.”