Have you resigned that you need to place your dreams on the back burner because you have bills to pay?
If we watch the news and believe it, we may be tempted to think there is no hope of ever finding a career that is fulfilling and pays well. We are in a recession after all, right? Did you know Costco, Burger King, Applebee’s McDonald’s, Famous Amos cookies, Microsoft are all businesses that were started during a recession? Did you also know that in the past 70 years, the US has had 12 recessions averaging about 10 months each? What this says to me is that there will always be seasons of famine and seasons of prosperity. We are not to retreat during the seasons of famine. Famine is a time when you can prepare for the season of prosperity that’s sure to come.

Do you see opportunities right now or do you only see obstacles? Desperation and defeat can cause you to look for opportunities that you wouldn’t have looked for when everything was going perfectly in your life. You may not have persevered as long if you had felt like you had other options. You may not have dug as deep. Momofuku’s idea for instant noodles was birthed out of a desperate need during a food shortage in Japan.

We learn in Proverbs to observe people who are good at their work – skilled workers are always in demand and admired. They don’t take a back seat to anyone. We also learn that a good life has been prearranged for us. The good life isn’t a life of leisure and possessions. It’s a life of purpose and passion.

The work you love and your calling are connected. What do you value in life? I’m not talking about goals. I’m talking about what matters most to you. Security? Freedom? Your Family?

Change your attitude about your current line of work. I know I know… you’re saying, but Kendra you don’t know the people I work with. You don’t know how my boss treats me. I want to challenge that belief. If you’re boss walked into your office today and offered you double your salary today, I guarantee your attitude would change. What changed in that scenario? Did your boss change? No. Did you coworkers change? No. What changed? Your perspective of the situation changed. If nothing in your life changed right now, everything would be different if you changed. Find a bigger purpose than your paycheck for your current position. Make a decision before you walk in the doors everyday that you are going to find a reason or a person that makes it worth your while. Determine to enjoy your work.

• Assess your skills, gifts, talents and your purpose. You are taking inventory of what moves you in life.
• Start preparing your resume and cover letter for the career that matches with your calling. Look for other career opportunities within your company that would be a better fit for you. Talk to your current boss and let him/her know your career goals. If he/she can’t help you reach them, ask if they would be willing to recommend you for another position within the company.
• Give your best work on the job while preparing for your next career. Use resources from your current career to gain skills and certifications. Learning to be a team player, taking a class or getting certified in an area that interests you are all valuable assets that can be transferred to another company.

You may be thinking “this all sounds nice, but I’ve got bills to pay.” “I’ve got debt to eliminate.” “I don’t have the time to commit to going through this process.” I’ve got good news for you! One of the by products or benefits of investing the time to match your career to your calling is that you can make more money, which helps you achieve your financial goals more quickly.

If you’re not satisfied with your situation, don’t be like the old dog that moaned and whined all day long. A stranger was passing by and asked the owner why the dog was moaning and whining, he stated that the dog was sitting on a nail. The stranger asked, “Why doesn’t he get off?” The owner stated, “I guess it doesn’t hurt enough yet”. Don’t make excuses for not living the good life.

Get off the nail – whatever it is that causes you to moan and groan about your present situation – and start enjoying the life God has already prearranged for you. Welcome to the Good Life!