When Work Hurts - by Meryl Herr (Paperback)

About the Book

We might be discouraged, disillusioned, or devastated by our work. We might experience trauma or harassment on the job, or we may have experienced work loss by getting fired. If you've been beat up, burnt out, or brokenhearted by work, you're not alone.

Book Synopsis

Sometimes Work Hurts

We might be discouraged, disillusioned, or devastated by our work. We might experience trauma or harassment on the job, or we may have experienced work loss by getting fired. If you've been beat up, burnt out, or brokenhearted by work, you're not alone.

The Bible tells us that work will be difficult--filled with thorns and thistles--but no one prepares us for the pain we experience on the job. In When Work Hurts Meryl Herr

• Explores the emotional, relational, and vocational pain that work causes and helps us rebound and build resilience so we can fully participate with God in his mission,
• Walks through the biblical story of the Israelites' journey of exile, return, and rebuilding as a framework for spiritual and practical resources for navigating work loss, and
• Shows that we can take comfort in the fact that God is at work in the midst of our work to bring healing and hope.

"This book is a timely, uplifting resource that speaks to both the heart and mind. With a deep understanding of Scripture and descriptions about her journey, Herr expertly helps readers who want to integrate faith into their professional lives and navigate workplace challenges to reclaim a sense of purpose and hope." - Library Journal Review, February 2025

Review Quotes

"When Work Hurts honors sacred places of loss by getting 'eye-level'--gifting us with stories that don't feel preachy or contrived, but honest and real. And then, as if hope were a thing that shows up quietly in the dark, it guides readers stepwise into the wisdom and provision of God's story. This book is a simple and profound gem for the many moments when our lives are not."

--Jeanette Thomas, cofounder and facilitator of Brandhearted

"When Work Hurts is a compassionate, insightful guide for Christians navigating the harsh realities of work life. Meryl Herr--the leading Christian expert on this topic today--masterfully blends empathy, social science, biblical wisdom, and her own experience, offering readers faith-grounded tools to process pain and find healing. This is an important book at an important time. Strongly, emphatically recommended!"

--Bryan Dik, author of Redeeming Work and coauthor of Make Your Job a Calling

"When Work Hurts offers deep insight into the pain and challenges of the workplace, blending personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical advice. It speaks to those who feel the weight of work hurt, guiding them toward healing and hope through God's redemptive purposes. As a pastor equipping the church for mission in the marketplace, I find this book invaluable. It calls us to face work pain honestly, find resilience, and live as faithful witnesses in our vocations. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to integrate faith and work with purpose and hope."

--Artie M. Lindsay, Sr., pastor of spiritual formation at Tabernacle Community Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan

"For too many people, work is more of a Genesis 3 rather than Genesis 1 reality. Meryl Herr knows that personally, and she brings honesty and deep compassion to this important book. Packed with stories of 'work hurt, ' this highly accessible volume offers at least three beautiful gifts. First, no one who's dealing with disappointments, oppression, confusion, or toxicity at work will feel alone again after reading it. Second, it gives language to help all of us articulate the many ways work goes sideways--which is necessary if the 'faith and work' movement is to be grounded in reality, not romanticism. Third, and most important, it plumbs the wisdom of the Bible's historical books to aid contemporary Christians in pursuing everyday faithfulness amidst the challenges of the modern workaday world."

--Amy L. Sherman, author of Agents of Flourishing

"In a broken world, we all experience hurt from our work. But there can be times when pain experienced in the workplace is emotionally devastating. In When Work Hurts, Herr is an empathetic guide, helping those who have been wounded at work feel seen and heard. Written from her own experience of pain in the workplace, her journey towards experiencing a renewed sense of calling, and grounded in Scripture, Herr gives gentle and wise prompts to begin the healing process, so we might reclaim a sense of hope in God's purposes for our work."

--Matthew Rusten, president of Made to Flourish

"The context of work has been a source of personal fulfillment and joy while also so much disillusionment, pain, and heartache in my life. In this powerful book that weaves together personal anecdotes and theological promises, Meryl Herr points us to a hopeful message that transcends our stories of work hurt without trivializing their impact. For those navigating past or present work hurt as they read this, I hope you will be encouraged--as I was--that our stories are located within a larger narrative that is still unfolding, and our co-laboring in stewarding God's creation is not in vain."

--Mark Muha, vice president for student development at Biola University

"Whether you're facing a slow burn situation or a sudden change at work, Meryl Herr offers assurance backed by her story and many others. You're not alone, and your pain is real because work hurt cuts deep. She meets you in that hard, honest place--just the person you want across the table when you spill all your soul-searching questions. Pointing to the wisdom of experience and Scripture, she guides you to recover your strength and go forward in ways that are true to who God made you to be."

--Rebecca Jantz Johnson, executive leadership coach at Story Solutions

"Work is a gift from God, but what do we do when it is a burden? This is an essential read for anyone who has experienced deep disillusionment in the workplace. As someone who coaches leaders of color in challenging and often painful environments, I believe this powerful resource will provide much-needed guidance to those navigating difficult workplaces, offering support and insight for those in need of a coach."

--Sandra Maria Van Opstal, author, pastor, and executive director of Chasing Justice

About the Author

Meryl Herr (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is the owner of The GoodWorks Group LLC, a consulting firm specializing in educational program planning and evaluation. She previously served as director of research and resources at Fuller Seminary's Max De Pree Center for Leadership, where she conducted research and created resources to help Christian marketplace leaders integrate their faith with their work. Meryl lives with her family near Athens, Georgia.