Choosing a Career
(an opinion)
Students are sometimes in a quandary about which degree or diploma programme to pursue and what career to embark on. Different voices and perspectives from friends and family members may add to the confusion too. I believe it’s most realistic to follow our individual strengths.
Each of us is born with different strengths, some with a better photographic memory than others, some have trouble mentally adding bigger numbers, some can only draw simple figures while others can produce lifelike portraits, and so on. It would thus be unrealistic and illogical to expect every person to start and succeed in their own business enterprise, or be a doctor or lawyer. It follows then, that different people are suited to different occupations, according to the talents and inclinations of each.
Each of us has been designed and created by God – “It was you who created my inmost self, and put me together in my mother’s womb; for all these mysteries I thank you: for the wonder of myself, for the wonder of your works” (Psalm 139:13-14). If God gave each person different talents or strengths, He must have a reason, I’m sure. So I believe the best plan would be to follow the plan or ways of him who is almighty and wise – “Plans multiply in the human heart, but the purpose of Yahweh stands firm” (Proverbs 19:21). If we develop the strengths God has given us, we will find ourselves in our element and enjoying whatever course of career we pursue – “Trust wholeheartedly in Yahweh, put no faith in your own perception: in every course you take, have him in mind: he will see that your paths are smooth” (Proverbs 3:5-6). And to ensure that we follow the path that is most suitable for us personally, we should endeavour to “have the book of this Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may carefully keep everything that is written in it. Then you will prosper in your dealings, then you will have success” (Joshua 1:8).
Our friends and family may have ideas contrary to ours, perhaps encouraging us to pursue what society perceives as prestigious or trendy, e.g. to be a doctor of an entrepreneur. Choosing a path others want us to take may see us making a U-turn later on when we realize that we dread going to work every day, that we are not in our element, and when we realize the truth in Matthew 16:26, “What, then, will a man gain if he wins the whole world and ruins his life?”
Some of us may think that the aim of a career should be to earn as much money as we can. If one’s strength is in entrepreneurship, then I would agree that one should do one’s best in it. However, money is a possession, and should not become more important than people. As Jesus points out, “You cannot be the slave both of God and of money” (Matthew 6:24). Making more money is not wrong in itself, but having that as the primary aim in life will not make one happy or bring job satisfaction. These feelings may be present at the initial stage of success, but do not last and soon will be replaced by a feeling of emptiness and lack of purpose – “He who loves money never has money enough, he who loves wealth never has enough profit” (Ecclesiastes 5:9).
So I believe that if we follow the strengths God has given us, and develop them fully in our career while following God’s ways and teachings, we will enjoy what we do and have more than what we need – “Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well” (Matthew 6:33).