My life begins next month and leaving the world of 30s. If I am to live my life what should I be doing? I remember in one of my class during my elementary years when my teacher posted a question: “When you grow up, what vocation do you want to have?” Being so young as I was, I thought of becoming famous someday and make a name for myself. I dreamed of becoming a hero. That was dumb… I know majority of us said the same thing. I may love that job but I don’t think it will put food on our table.
There are people who consider their present job “just a job” and feel that staff meetings are waste of time, and it seems like it’s always all about the money. Their employers have a “what have you done for me lately” attitude towards them and their work. Agreeing with me? Feeling the same way? I can see your head nodding… Does it seem like you don’t have control of your work, and what you do? Don’t you feel trapped? The only way out of job prison is to find the key yourself.
Every man’s dream is earning while doing what he loves to do.
It is important to choose a vocation and to choose wisely. The vocation we choose can affect our lives in many ways. It may determine where we live, who our friends are, how long we are in school, how much money we will spend on training, how much we will earn, and how much we are able to help our family members. Whatever vocation we choose, we should be prepared to give quality service.
Many times, your mind can’t tell the difference between what you imagine and what is real, when thinking about the future. This is good news when you start to envision your perfect vocational day.
Feed your mind with new and more fulfilling ideas.
Here are a few tips in choosing a vocation:
First: Learn about yourself.
In choosing a vocation, it is helpful to learn as much as possible about your values, goals, interests, and talents. Figure out what you are passionate about. What activities get you most excited about life? This is a great place to start.
You need to make sure that any vocation you choose will allow you to maintain your values and reach your goals. Job requirements should not cause you to violate God’s and government laws or your personal values. It is also important to consider the environment of the vocation and the influence it could have on your goals in life. You should avoid vocations that would require you to compromise your values or turn you from being happy for the rest of your life.
Second: Check your resources.
You need to know your abilities. Determine which trainings you had. If you think you need additional training, determine the costs time wise and financial wise. I know a lot of you who currently have jobs will need careful study. The trainings you should take should coincide with your abilities, spending capability and availability. There are trainings sponsored by governments that are free or would require you to pay a small amount from your pocket. Whatever training you choose just remember that you should be enjoying it and having fun.
I remember a young woman who enjoyed being around animals. She offered to work without pay at a veterinarian’s office near her home. Later she was offered a paying job there and chose veterinary work as her vocation. Cool huh?
Some people have natural talents in various areas. Others acquire talents by study and practice. A person’s abilities can influence whether or not he/she is successful in his/her vocation.
Third: Learn about vocations.
In addition to learning about yourself, you need to learn about various job possibilities. If you are still attending school you can ask school counselors and teachers, local business organizations, trade or technical schools, and local community members who have experience in vocations. Talk to successful people who followed their dream job. I know a lot of them would not mind being asked with questions.
Fourth: Decide.
Don’t wait for your spouse or your boss or your kids or society to give you approval. The permission to start to create and live your perfect vocational day must come from within yourself.
Your approval muscle just takes use and practice.
The employment you choose should be honorable and challenging. Ideally, you need to seek that work to which you are suited by interest, by aptitude, and by training. Your work should do more than provide adequate income; it should provide you with a sense of self-worth and be a pleasure—something you look forward to each day.
May I suggest a definition of ‘honorable employment.’ Honorable employment is honest employment. Fair value is given and there is no defrauding, cheating, or deceit. Its product or service is of high quality, and the employer, customer, client, or patient receives more than he or she expected. Honorable employment is moral. It involves nothing that would undermine public good or morality. For example, it does not involve traffic in liquor, illicit narcotics, or gambling. Honorable employment is useful. It provides goods or services which make the world a better place in which to live.
Lastly, never forget to pray before making the decision. Ask God if the vocation you chose is the right one for you. After all the word “vocation” came from the Latin vocare (verb to call) a word used by early Christians when calling someone in serving God or a position in a church.
Making your job your vocation is somehow being a hero and at the same time earning. Being a hero is not so dumb after all…. Have fun recreating your life.
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