Is it wrong to "want" a promotion?

[whatevergirl]

Sigh, I’ve been wrestling with this.

I’ve recently been offered a GREAT new career path at my workplace. I’m thrilled–excited–a little scared–all the emotions of embarking on something ‘new.’ Let me preface my ultimate question with this…I always believe that God has blessed me (and everyone else on earth) with specific talents in order to complete His will for your life. Whether that be as a mom, dad, pastor, priest, employee, friend, whatever…he gives you EVERYTHING. I’m merely a vessel for Him. I can do nothing with any resemblence of success, apart from Him.

So…that being said, is it ‘wrong’ of me to want this promotion? Is it wrong to want to expand your horizons at work? Now, I was perfectly at peace and happy in my current job duties, but this opportunity sounds exciting, yet I don’t want my enthusiasm to be viewed by God as I was ungrateful in my other position. There’s a spot in the Bible (help me out here all you Bible quoters) where it states…‘Be happy in your present circumstances.’ I think Paul states this also in this way…‘I’m happy with a lot, and I’m happy with little.’ (I’m obviously not quoting verbatim) I know what he meant, I think? But, you can see where I’m going here.

So, just wondering if I’m wrong to feel excited? Is it wrong to want a career path, or to look forward to a promotion? This literally fell in my lap…I wasn’t unhappy or anything, and I didn’t go searching for a promotion…so…

ANY THOUGHTS? Thanks all!

 

[Liberian]

Whatever Girl,

No, it is not wrong to want a promotion. It would be wrong to stab somebody else in the back to get the promotion, but the sin there is in the stabbing, not in wanting the promotion.

I am very happy for you with your opportunity. Praise God for it (if you can’t praise God for it, that’s a warning signal) and ask Him how you can use your new position to His glory.

Paul wrote the bit about being happy in your present circumstances (actually I think the exact quote is not to seek to change your present life situation–I Cor 7:27 has it, although it may also be in other places) when he and everybody else thought that Jesus would be returning any day. Things have changed a bit since then.

• Liberian

 

[whatevergirl]

Thanks so much Liberian! Yes, all the glory belongs to God, and I wish to do nothing else but serve Him and others in the current position, and the future one.

We’re all God’s missionaries…no matter where we are employed…or where our vocation lies.

Thanks again–your post helped me to see that I needn’t worry about feeling badly about this position.

Have a blessed night,
WG

 

[reggieM]

Well, first of all, St. Paul was warning us against worldy ambition that can be a means to desire power and advancement for oneself. So, his words are quite relevant. Why are we seeking that promotion? Are we more excited about getting ahead than we are in other areas of God’s service – especially areas that do not get support or attention?

Ok, the second thought I would offer is more difficult. For Catholic women in the professional workplace, building a career, etc. – there’s a lot of danger there. Do we believe that the current American social-policy of having women seek careers to the expense of marriage and family life is one that is pleasing to God?

Personally, I don’t. Catholic marriage and family life are a vocation that should not be put off or ruined by seeking a wordly career.

I won’t even go into the big problem of having numerous women who have contracepted their children in order to make advancements in the workplace actually crowding out positions for men who actually are trying to raise a family and support a wife at home with several children.

I’m not answering right or wrong, but just tossing out some important considerations. Perhaps these do not apply and I don’t mean them as a personal comment at all. But I do believe we have a very big problem, among our own Catholic brothers and sisters, with a desire (by men and women) for success and advancement, at the big cost of neglect of children and Christian family life. It doesn’t have to be that way, true. But it’s a danger that we all face.

 

[1ke]

There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to advance in your career, try new things, or change careers entirely. God has moved me around in many interesting industries and positions-- some of which I would never have picked on my own.

What you must continually discern is how/if such a change impacts your life outside of work. A new opportunity that would require long hours, travel, etc, that takes you away from-- for example-- bible study, volunteer work, or family time would be more iffy.

If you are married, you must also look at the impact it has on your husband and/or children (or future children).

God and family are first, behind any career advancement. Weigh these factors and then make your decision.

 

[whatevergirl]

This actually would HELP my family, as we have been wanting to move to Florida for a while (we are originally from there and moved to Pittsburgh 8 years ago) and I felt like this was Divine Intervention when this opportunity suddenly arose.

I absolutely agree–God first, family second…friends…then a job. I believe that my job is a gift from God…not a vain accomplishment on my own. I owe everything to Him…and I pray everyday for the humility to never ever forget that!

My only comment about Catholic women working–I think that God isn’t opposed to this, as long as our family life doesn’t suffer. AND THAT PERTAINS TO MEN, TOO. IF A MAN’S WORK OVERSHADOWS HIS FAMILY, IT’S WRONG, TOO.

Thank you so much for your posts–you are all so insightful on here!!!

 

[Gerry_Hunter]

In his essay “The Inner Ring” (really a Memorial address at a school), C.S. Lewis made the following point:

A thing may be morally neutral and yet the desire for that thing may be dangerous. As Byron has said:

Sweet is a legacy, and passing sweet
The unexpected death of some old lady.

The painless death of a pious relative at an advanced age is not an evil. But an earnest desire for her death on the part of her heirs is not reckoned a proper feeling, and the law frowns on even the gentlest attempt to expedite her departure.

So with that caveat, go for the promotion, and don’t let the desire for it consume you.

Blessings,

Gerry

 

[whatevergirl]

Thanks so much, Gerry! I’m a big fan of CS Lewis…!
I will pray for God’s will throughout it all…

God bless,
WG