The other day I was reading an article about the similarity between a person’s dream job when a child and how things turned out in adulthood.
The majority of persons interviewed attained their dream job. Other dreams got derailed by circumstances, or turned out to be quite unrealistic.
One person commented on how a job in the computer industry was an absolute disaster and was let go by that employer. Shortly thereafter, the person attained a position teaching art in the public school system. It was a perfect fit!
The people who attained their childhood dream job absolutely enjoy it. Quite a variety were listed.
I will admit that some of the positions written about did not appeal to me at all. I couldn’t see myself enjoying any part of some of those tasks. But I am grateful for persons who have those kinds of calling.
Our loving God gives us different gifts and abilities to be used for the common good. As the apostle Paul wrote, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:4–7 NRSV)
It always amazes me to hear individuals complain about “having going to work,” or how they hate their job. It is easy to play the blame game – point fingers at other circumstances that cause you to grouse and grumble: your boss is ungrateful, co–workers don’t pull their weight, the pay is lousy, there are no other good jobs, the “system” has you locked in. The list is lengthy.
Some of those complaints may be legitimate. If they are not, I would suggest that if you complain about your work, or “hate” your job, that you are not doing what God gave you the gift to do.
The question then becomes, “What are you going to do about it?”
Unless you enjoy being miserable, I would suggest you take some time to pay attention to what God has planted in your heart as your “dream job.”
What skill(s) do you possess that can be utilized more satisfactorily to bring you more joy and a sense of fulfillment? What might you be able to do “for the common good”? What steps will need to be taken to get you there?
God has a purpose for you to fulfill. Have you found yours yet?
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Have you found your dream job?