Two Paths (on career discernment)

[iwillrisenow]

There are two potential career paths in front of me. One is a clearer path of service; finally, it seems, a way to use my talents to uplift others in an inspiring and supportive environment. The only issue is funding is somewhat uncertain. I may need to continue seeking additional work outside of it to sustain a decent living.

The other path is one of prestige and flexibility. It would allow me to work independently (best work structure for me) on a project that could potentially uplift and inspire an underrepresented population. This path comes with a set income that would sustain me for the next few years; though not enough to flourish, I can make modest donations while still living without worry or being a burden to others. It is not without struggle, as the environment is extremely left-leaning and, in light of the recent Supreme Court decision, bound to raise tension with colleagues in the areas of faith and belief. And, while it may lead to the next thing, it is only a temporary fix as it is time bound to about five years.

On both paths, I love the substantive work. On both paths, I can see God’s hand. I will most likely pursue the same projects, skills, and goals on both paths-- which one I take now just might determine how soon I am able to reach certain goals or what specific challenges I will face in the immediate years to come.

I am and will be praying a lot about these paths. Part of me wants to just focus on path A, but the financial constraints make path B appealing (it is possible that I might continue involvement with path A on path B on a pro bono basis). Six months ago, the clear answer would be path A, but now path B may be back on the table…

My questions for the career discerners out there…

• How do you reconcile your need for a decent income (not great big stuff but not having to rely on family support either) with service? Do you consider that God’s lessons might be through the path of relative poverty (within reason) or is it foolish to be a strain on others when you don’t have to?
• Might God call us into situations that appear, on the surface, to be “enemy territory” so to speak (eg- many atheists and anti-Catholics; lots of folks living same-sex lifestyle) or should we carefully consider that this “call” might, in fact, be egoism?

 

[tawny]

Praying to the Holy Spirit to give you guidance, direction, strength, fortitude & wisdom in your discernment.

 

[friardchips]

There are two potential career paths in front of me. One is a clearer path of service; finally, it seems, a way to use my talents to uplift others in an inspiring and supportive environment. The only issue is funding is somewhat uncertain. I may need to continue seeking additional work outside of it to sustain a decent living.

The other path is one of prestige and flexibility. It would allow me to work independently (best work structure for me) on a project that could potentially uplift and inspire an underrepresented population. This path comes with a set income that would sustain me for the next few years; though not enough to flourish, I can make modest donations while still living without worry or being a burden to others. It is not without struggle, as the environment is extremely left-leaning and, in light of the recent Supreme Court decision, bound to raise tension with colleagues in the areas of faith and belief. And, while it may lead to the next thing, it is only a temporary fix as it is time bound to about five years.

On both paths, I love the substantive work. On both paths, I can see God’s hand. I will most likely pursue the same projects, skills, and goals on both paths-- which one I take now just might determine how soon I am able to reach certain goals or what specific challenges I will face in the immediate years to come.

I am and will be praying a lot about these paths. Part of me wants to just focus on path A, but the financial constraints make path B appealing (it is possible that I might continue involvement with path A on path B on a pro bono basis). Six months ago, the clear answer would be path A, but now path B may be back on the table…

My questions for the career discerners out there…

• How do you reconcile your need for a decent income (not great big stuff but not having to rely on family support either) with service? Do you consider that God’s lessons might be through the path of relative poverty (within reason) or is it foolish to be a strain on others when you don’t have to?
• Might God call us into situations that appear, on the surface, to be “enemy territory” so to speak (eg- many atheists and anti-Catholics; lots of folks living same-sex lifestyle) or should we carefully consider that this “call” might, in fact, be egoism?

Good question. Listening in!

 

[iwillrisenow]

Hello again

I am still standing at the fork in the road between these two paths. A bit of time has revealed the following:

• Path A is likely to mean ongoing financial challenge for several more months…He has provided when the situation’s been critical, but it’s like walking on a tight rope and keeps me from planning for the future;
• Path B cannot really begin again for about another year (if it, in fact, is still an option-- further discussion makes it look like it’s not as likely as I’d imagined);
• Both paths are very consuming in their own ways: path A raises more challenges for my temperament on a daily basis (e.g.- an environment that is very, very social where people are big on ‘personality’ which is draining to me as an introvert) while path B involves a lot of negotiating and raises more uncertainty about long-term viability.

On top of this, it might be time for…path C, which is a relatively new possibility, yet something that has been beneath the surface for a long time. I will not get into it too much right now…but please keep me in your prayers as I discern.