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Pursuing your calling - 10/22/2009 2:49:23 PM
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Fritzpw_Admin
Posts: 8025
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quote:
Is Now the Time to Find Your Calling?
Kevin Brennfleck and Kay Marie Brennfleck - National Certified Career Counselors and Life Calling CoachesSM
"I've been laid off from a job I never really liked. I'm 46 years old, and while I'm a little nervous about not having a paycheck, mostly I'm excited about having a chance to figure out what I really want to do with my life," Mary exclaimed.
Like many people, Mary expressed a deep desire to "find her calling." She longs to find a career that uses her gifts and gives her the opportunity to make a difference in some way. "Life's too short," she said, "to spend your time doing something that really doesn't matter."
Mary has worked for years as an administrative assistant, and doesn't have a clear picture of what she would like to be doing; she just knows that she wants to do something "more creative" that "helps people in some meaningful way." She estimates that she can afford to be out of work about three months before she needs a paycheck coming in again. So what should Mary do?
Finding One's Calling for the "Next Step" in Life
Since she needs a new job within a few months, Mary realized that she should start her job search as soon as possible, given the challenges of today's job market. Her basic "game plan" is a good one: (1) find a job that's related to what she did before, but that has more of what she wants in a job; and then, (2) once she has a paycheck coming in, she'll spend time going through a more thorough career planning process to figure out what she really feels called to do long-term.
Mary gave herself a few days to figure out what type of work she would look for in her job search. She decided to work through the Career Master Planning stages in an abbreviated way...
Read the rest of Is Now the Time to Find Your Calling?
How have you gone about pursuing a job in your calling?
_____________________________
Fred "Fritz" Alberti
Director of Social Media
fritz@salemwebnetwork.com
Read today's Bible verse from my favorite online Bible
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RE: Pursuing your calling - 10/24/2009 1:16:23 AM
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rgod
Posts: 1918
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Great question. I'm amazed that the woman in the article could find her calling (or at least start moving in a direction) after only a few days of reflection. For me, it took many years of prayer, testing, observation, and trial and error. I read lots of books. There were four that I found to be extremely helpful: "I Could Do Anything If Only I Knew What It Was" and "Refuse to Choose" by Barbara Sher; "Discover Who You Are" by Kise, Stark, and Hirsh (one of the few books that brings together spiritual and natural gifts - fabulous), and "Creating a Life Worth Living" by Carol Lloyd. I took personality tests, skill tests, spiritual gift tests - everything from DISC, Meyer Briggs, Strongs Interest Inventory, Career Key, and anything else that I could get my hands on. I prayed a LOT. And, I tried all sorts of things: programming, graphic design, software design, administration, writing, missionary work, acting, research, sales, college and elementary teaching, formal ministry, helping people with disabilities, foreign service officer (didn't get too far with that one), musician, photography, linguist, and more.
Interestingly enough, the first time that I walked into a writing class, things just came into focus for me. It was scary, exhilerating, liberating. I had been writing for years, but somehow this was different. But I still didn't know if this was my calling - I kept seeing my calling as something that had to be done in the church. So I continued to search. And then, one morning, I was laying in bed in a small house in this little rural village on an island in the south pacific. I'll never forget it. All of the other people in the house were so excited about learning different languages and interacting with the people there. Phrases came easily to them while I struggled; they welcomed being around lots of people - I begged off - wanting to rest and reflect. In the midst of it, I was completely and utterly miserable. To top it all off, there was little paper (you had to travel by motorcycle several towns away to get it); I had a few sheets that I needed to conserve. So I lay there listening to the rooster crow and trying to write as small as humanly possible as the morning sun streamed through the window. Right then it hit me - I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was a writer. I wasn't writing until something else showed up. This was my life, my call. It never occured to me that every thing that I was interested in - ministry, outreach, creativity, social issues and causes, politics, emotional healing, science, every single thing was wrapped up in this one package.
Near the back of Richard Bolle's "What Color if Your Parachute" book, there is an appendix called "Your Mission in Life." You can probably google it - it is short and I seem to remember it being out on the net somewhere. He talks an awful lot about God - seems to be the God of the bible from his descriptions. One of the things that he said is the our calling is "written in our members" that it is something that is part of us. For me, writing was in my members. No, I wasn't writing novels at 10 on my Brother Typewriter. But I started reading early - at 3 or 4, love good shows that have strong story lines and dialogue, love ideas, am at heart an introvert, and am an observer by nature. I've gotten good feedback on my writing skills (but I can definitely improve) - but mostly - I like it. Somehow my life is better when I write - clearer. I think that for some people it is exactly like this - like a fish that might not notice the water around it - we are that way too sometimes. Often we are doing some aspect of our callings naturally, even if we aren't doing them in the right place.
< Message edited by rgod -- 10/24/2009 1:22:30 AM >
_____________________________
We are His portion and He is our prize, drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes! If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking ...
- Kim Walker "How He Loves Us"
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RE: Pursuing your calling - 10/27/2009 9:26:23 PM
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Grace-N-Mercy
Posts: 4321
Joined: 5/2/2005
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rgod
Great question. I'm amazed that the woman in the article could find her calling (or at least start moving in a direction) after only a few days of reflection. For me, it took many years of prayer, testing, observation, and trial and error. I read lots of books. There were four that I found to be extremely helpful: "I Could Do Anything If Only I Knew What It Was" and "Refuse to Choose" by Barbara Sher; "Discover Who You Are" by Kise, Stark, and Hirsh (one of the few books that brings together spiritual and natural gifts - fabulous), and "Creating a Life Worth Living" by Carol Lloyd. I took personality tests, skill tests, spiritual gift tests - everything from DISC, Meyer Briggs, Strongs Interest Inventory, Career Key, and anything else that I could get my hands on. I prayed a LOT. And, I tried all sorts of things: programming, graphic design, software design, administration, writing, missionary work, acting, research, sales, college and elementary teaching, formal ministry, helping people with disabilities, foreign service officer (didn't get too far with that one), musician, photography, linguist, and more.
Often we are doing some aspect of our callings naturally, even if we aren't doing them in the right place.
My journey has been similar, rgod! It took years of soul-searching, reflection, reading, and testing to show me where I wanted to go.
But for me, sometimes I just have to follow God. I have chosen a field that is outside of my range of interests, and it can be tough on me emotionally, but the intrinsic rewards are phenomenal. Just recently, I revisited my reflection, reading, and soul-searching to help me narrow down my interests. I had my idea, but God had another, and led me to an internship that I would never have chosen... but I'm excited about it.
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RE: Pursuing your calling - 10/28/2009 1:10:39 PM
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Miss Giggles
Posts: 5192
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: MI
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Interesting. I am going to the parachute book... the latest version. I am considering a career change.
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RE: Pursuing your calling - 10/31/2009 4:08:46 PM
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Concerto
Posts: 128
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quote:
"Life's too short," she said, "to spend your time doing something that really doesn't matter."
Life is too short to do something that you thoroughly dislike, but, to say it does not matter, that may be taking it a bit too far. Although currently, I do not enjoy my job, it does pay some of the bills and has health insurance. A great deal of the time, I too feel it does not matter what I do, but, what does the Bible say?
23 "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." (NKJV)
So, I do hope the original poster does find something she half way enjoys. I have this hope for all of us who are in places right now where we are not growing...and stagnant.
Thanks...
C
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RE: Pursuing your calling - 11/2/2009 1:56:50 AM
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prolifepj
Posts: 1103
Joined: 9/12/2008
From: just over yonder
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Before entering college (all 3 times) Mother would ask, "If money were no object and you could learn anything and do anything, what would you do?" I've never really been able to answer that question. I wanted to go to a Bible college and receive training for ministry. Doing what? I dunno...
In order to survive and pay my way through, we decided I needed practical skills that I could take anywhere- so I went through cosmetology school. Am I using it? nope.
Ok then, what's next - well, I have a solid understanding of computers and the internet. I'll be a website designer. How long after I graduated did that last? Less than a year.
Well, I must not have been supposed to go to a Bible school, but I still gotta live. Ok- to the job! I worked my way up a corporate ladder only to throw an amazing opportunity away like an idiot because someone told me they needed me to help their ministry- Left that too.
Now I'm working in a corporate office and enjoy it very much even though I work long hours. Do I think this is my calling? No, but maybe its getting me closer to finding it out. I sure hope so, this trial and error thing is getting old.
_____________________________
Sho nuff honey chile - Smile, it makes people wonder what you're up to!
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RE: Pursuing your calling - 11/4/2009 11:11:17 PM
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rgod
Posts: 1918
Joined: 4/25/2005
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Profilepj - why do you think that the corporate job is not your calling if you enjoy it so much? Sounds like you are talented at it (you worked your way up the ladder once and you are doing it again). Just curious.
_____________________________
We are His portion and He is our prize, drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes! If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking ...
- Kim Walker "How He Loves Us"
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RE: Pursuing your calling - 11/6/2009 8:42:31 PM
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prolifepj
Posts: 1103
Joined: 9/12/2008
From: just over yonder
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I'm glad you mentioned this because I know so many who want to drop everything practical and run into full time ministry with zilch life skills. That has always bothered me. Now, I DO believe that there are some who G-d has legitimately called to do that, but not as many as who THINK they are.
Equally as bothersome to me is how many feel that things like motherhood or business could not possibly be 'a calling'.
Yeah, I'm doing it again and am blessed in it, but I know that's not my place. Until I find my place I will do business or whatever as unto the L-rd and I'm certain He will honor that-which is what I believe He has always done. Not necessarily my miniscule business talent lol believe me.
I should spend more time on my knees. I have a heart for many things and there are a few that stand out stronger than the others; for now all I can do is follow.
_____________________________
Sho nuff honey chile - Smile, it makes people wonder what you're up to!
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RE: Pursuing your calling - 11/8/2009 1:47:24 AM
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lum3n
Posts: 6
Joined: 11/6/2009
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I have been blessed by a loving and financially supportive mother. I have jumped from career path to career path since I graduated. I tried cooking and did not like it. I have been a CNA in a nursing home and loved serving people and helping out hurting families, but I quickly found that the pay did not make rent. That experience led me to pursue a career as a Registered nurse.
My wife was/is a children's pastor at a small Nazarene church. I have been helping her with the kids since her and I got serious. God showed me that I do have a knack for ministry and is now using me in the music ministry at our church too. I play the drums and never started until there was a need in my church then God equipped me.
While both of these careers tend to be unrewarding in the worldly sense, they are extremely boisterous to my faith and wisdom. The wisdom and compassion that is needed in the nursing field is being taught to me in the church by the Lord.
So long story short, I've kinda wandering into my calling and now am trying to walk in it by going to nursing school and working on getting ordained. Both of those work very well together. After all, the original nurses were knights in service to Jesus Christ.
_____________________________
Please check out my Blog!
www.lum3n.blogspot.com
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RE: Pursuing your calling - 11/15/2009 10:58:42 PM
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blackhat
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Joined: 12/31/2005
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I recently decided to quit my well paying, stable job in the education field to go into... Hairdressing. Yep, it's my dream!
It took me a long time to ADMIT that this was my calling because I had spent so much time educating myself to work as an educator... It probably took me about 5 years to get to the point where I had to do something about my calling. I'm taking a huge risk by going into hairstyling, as I have no idea what to expect, and I'm actually going to be strapped for cash for about 10 months. However, I'd rather suffer financially now rather than suffer emotionally later.
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RE: Pursuing your calling - 11/16/2009 1:48:44 PM
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karlie
Posts: 9126
Joined: 4/10/2005
From: Central California
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quote:
How have you gone about pursuing a job in your calling?
I started by going back to school at age 38, and basically starting at square one.
When I first felt the tug to do what I am pursuing, I had not even been thinking about a career or making a huge change in my life. I got involved in a ministry that touched my heart on a level nothing ever has, and God used that ongoing experience to begin the process. It started with much soul-searching and prayer, which led me to face fears and doubts, and finally surrender to His calling on my life. It was a long process, but by the time my kids were finishing up high school and moving on with plans of their own, I enrolled in college. It seemed overwhelming at first, thinking about how far I had to go and the obstacles in front of me. But, I knew God was leading me to this place, so I took it day by day...semester by semester. I graduated with my BA last May and just began my masters program this fall. I have already been offered an internship upon completion of graduation, so God is making a way. It's awesome to know I am in His plan and not just doing what I want to do. It keeps me going when I feel like I'd rather just stay home in jammies all day!
< Message edited by karlie -- 11/16/2009 1:57:59 PM >
_____________________________
When we're at the end of ourselves, that's the place where God truly is.
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RE: Pursuing your calling - 11/20/2009 5:34:02 AM
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carebearstare
Posts: 23
Joined: 10/9/2009
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with a tip to blackhat (hahah get it? tip to.... hat... nevermind. ANYWAY...) i feel you with respect to figuring out what really is your calling, and about 70% of that 'figuring out' or deciding what your calling is being the process of gathering it all up just to admit it to yourself! i started writing to myself trying to sort through the crazy of what i was feeling regarding what i was doing, and what i might want to do because ohhh it might be my calling... it took page 15 of a 30 page document for me to admit that it sounded even to me that i was maybe, just maybe, trying to convince myself of something that i'd already knew was true, but was still afraid of (similarly, already being in a field that took training, and realizing that the switch would require new training and a bootyload of money). every step of admitting it to myself or anyone else has taken loads of time, and i'm still not certain...
it'll be a few years before i can even start what i think might be my calling and i'll keep praying, but i need to get more and more certain because the prep to even be accepted and begin it is pretty rough, so i have to get it together and commit. i am just trying to line up my fears one at a time and say well what can i do about this, what would not pursuing my dream really guarantee me in this area (will staying put mean that i definitely won't face that fear anyway??), and what if, just what if for a second, i removed that fear? if i can put my fears of what if i fail, what if it's hard, tough, time consuming, etc, all on a shelf for just a sec, then if i asked myself without all that baggage chasing me away, do i want it? a lot? that answer picks me up a little and keeps me looking forward.
so anyway my point of posting was that i listened to an audio response about this topic today and the way it was put forth was that you need 3 parts to have it really be your calling for right now - your desire for it, others recognition of how you would 'fit' there (encouraging your idea because they could see the possibility for you too), and the opportunities to be there. if you're dead to it, if others who are really on the level with you can't offer their sincere support at least, or if God just does not make a way, then He may have other plans... it kind of resonated with me. they're all supposed to be checks on each other, that get you thinking about all sides of what it means to have a call that will really bloom. affinity/ability/opportunity :)
*please no one take the second requirement as the 'if people tell you that you can't, then you can't' - your passion from #1 speaking to people along with your natural talents or tendencies might be what make people notice or be supportive of you... and some people would be unsupportive of course no matter what... i think it was meant more as a reality check. if i wanted to be a broadway singing star then the people who really love me and are pragmatic would be willing to gently tell me that singing got left out of my gene pool.
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