Eating Bread by the Sweat of My Brow

Working about 16 hours a week and being a music major is maybe one of the craziest things I could do. But the job I have has flexible hours, which is really what I need, because I have to take into account performances and rehearsals that come up as well as all of the out-side-of-class work that comes with my particular major. It is thrilling to be so busy and sometimes when I do have down times (never during the week, just weekends) I feel like I'm forgetting something, because it just can't be this easy!
My work is a data collection center centered on market research. I basically get to wear a headset and make a bunch of phone calls and give surveys. It is challenging in that sometimes you have to put up with a bit of abuse. I have had all kinds of experiences. I have had people swear at me, scream at me, and threaten to sue us should we ever call again. Sometime it is almost humorous at how upset someone can get about a simple phone call. But through it you really appreciate those who are kind to you weather they take the survey or not. The kindest person I came in contact with THANKED me for considering their opinion. If they do take the survey, you appreciate them even more for helping your own rating since it is mostly based off of chance.
Psychologically it is hard to process. Studies have shown that if a person does not feel they have much control over their own lives or situation, then they tend to stress. And stress leads to other things. which is a whole other conversation. Secondly, it is easy to get discouraged by a particularly poorly written survey. Not as many people want to take it, and you have to fight for their attention and to keep them on the line. More stress. Thirdly, as mentioned above, you do deal with people who are down right rude to you. Fourthly, (and maybe this one is just for me) you deal with people in different time zones or who are putting children to bed. As an employee you don't get to chose who you call or even which state you are calling, and could feel a little guilt when someone complains that you are calling at an unseemly hour. And lastly, working that job you have to deal with supervisors who encourage you to increase your rating. They have an expectation and it has to be met. As if you had any control over who you call and weather they have any desire to take the survey or not.
That being said, I remember a few things. I remember not to take anything personally, I am just a member of a team working towards a common goal, and I have to play by their rules. I remember that if I were talking to some of these people face to face, maybe they would be more open, but just hearing a voice dehumanizes and estranges me from them. I would probably be a little annoyed by me too. But most importantly, I remember a scripture that really touched me a little over six months ago. It is 3 Nephi 13:25 "And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he looked upon the twelve whom he had chosen, and said unto them: Remember the words which I have spoken. For behold, ye are they whom I have chosen to minister unto this people. Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" The thing is, I don't fear that I will lose my job over a rating. I just know that I do what I can, I try my best and it works out for my good. Ezra Taft Benson once said, "When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives." I have faith that God loves me and know I am trying my best. It will all work out. For I know I am Never Alone.