Business Journal - Best Careers from A to Z

By Michelle Sugerman

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " (Jeremiah 29:11) NIV

The right job is hard to find these days. At the end of March 2010, Gallup reported that about 1 in 10 Americans was looking for a job, 1 in 10 part-time employees was looking for full-time work, and 2 in 10 people were underemployed. In this survey, an individual was labeled as underemployed if they were being paid less than their skills typically warrant or if their job skills exceed their job requirements. Note, these statistics say nothing about those who are employed but seeking more job satisfaction or purpose. What does the Bible say about the ‘right’ job?

There are over 300 occupations listed in the Bible. Regardless of what we do, how much we make, or what our business cards say --we are all equally treasured. God loves Accountants, Zoologists, and everyone in between. So, maybe the ‘right’ job it is not about what we do, but how we do it:

Utilize Your Strengths: We are a wonderful combination of needs, values, personality, interests, spiritual gifts, skills, and experiences --I call it a ‘gift package’. Do you know what yours is?* Once we discover what makes us tick and how our contributions can glorify His kingdom, then we must be good stewards of what we have been given. “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous --and how well I know it.” Psalm 139:13, 14 NLT
Make It Fun: My favorite TV show is CBS’s Undercover Boss. I marvel at the breadth of jobs portrayed. I am especially amazed when I see THE MOST undesirable jobs being enjoyed by employees! It might take some time to find, but there IS fun in every job. What does that mean to you: connecting with people, solving ‘puzzles’, setting new records? Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t celebrating at the office right now. God’s not finished: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 NASB
Do It Right: I just got off the phone with a Christian man who lost his job. When I asked if he was surprised, he said, “No, I expected to be let go because I insisted on sticking to my ethics and core beliefs of what was right.” Though he is in a difficult position, I am sure God smiled on his choice to stand firm. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10 NIV
Please the Boss: It can be frustrating to work for a difficult or ineffective boss. But, we are all human and there is only one perfect boss. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

If you have a calling, pursue it. If you are frustrated by your work, make it fun by tapping into your own quirks or pleasures. Honor God with your obedience and dedicate your efforts to Him! With unemployment and underemployment continuing to make the news, remember, it is more about how you work and less about your job title (especially if you don’t have a title or don’t like the one you have).

*If you don’t know what your ‘gift package’ is, ask Michelle about helpful assessments and coaching.

Sources: Gallup Underemployment Poll, March 2010; Word in the Life Bible

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Michelle Sugerman is a business consultant and leadership coach offering a complete system for Christian business leaders, owners, and their secular teams. She combines 16 years in the corporate world with Christian principles to empower clients, readers, and audiences throughout the United States. You are invited to inquire directly about these opportunities by email or by phone at (303) 993-4881.