Discerning a Career
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the thought of choosing a career path and/or college majors and have no idea where to start, I get you! Big life decisions can be paralyzing and it’s so tempting to endlessly swipe through Tik Toks or binge watch a series. But the good news is you have actually already started career exploration without even knowing it! Everything you have done up until now (think: academics, sports, hobbies, jobs, volunteering, etc.) informs your career decision and what may make a good career path for you.
Furthermore, career discernment is a process that evolves throughout your life and starts with learning about yourself (hello coaching!). It is about exploring your talents and skills while also considering the needs of the world and how your work can contribute to making the world more like what God intends. So let’s get started and understand how you can “discern” better…
Cultivate noticing.
Notice what brings you peace, joy, and a sense of God’s presence versus what brings anxiety, restlessness, or distance from God. As a student, this may look like a love of playing soccer and hanging out with your team mates but a dislike for early morning wake-ups to get to the game on time, a sense of joy when solving a tough math equation after trying many methods but a sense of dread when having to write a creative essay, or it can be the peace you feel when you finally get quiet time alone in your bedroom after struggling with all the people interaction that a school day requires. Just start noticing and writing down these realizations.
Do Nothing.
If you are feeling down, anxious, or disconnected from God, wait before making any big decisions or major choices. While it may seem counter-intuitive, sometimes doing nothing is part of the decision-making process for it is often when we are quiet that God does the most communicating.
Patience.
This is a powerful “weapon” and sometimes we cannot rush the decision-making process. Yes, there are deadlines for college applications and job postings may close soon, but give yourself time to process all of the components of you decision and how it will affect the different areas of your life. Things like job hours (do you need to work weekends or late night?), physical requirements (lifting heavy equipment or sitting for 12+ hour days), people you will work with (or not work with if the job is remote or highly independent), the type of work or clients you will interact with (is there a possibility of any conflict with your beliefs or values?), and mental satisfaction or sense of accomplishment you may get from your work (hint: if it doesn’t excite you now, it definitely won’t excite you in the long-term!). Patiently consider these and if you can, chat to someone in the industry to get better insights into the more nuanced aspects of the job.
Store up Consolations.
When you are feeling close to God and at peace, make commitments and big decisions. This is a great time to journal, pray, and follow through on some of those things you may have been putting off. In the case of figuring out a career path, this would be a great time to chat to your parents or advisor about your thoughts and feelings about your professional future. When you are in a good mood and at peace, difficult conversations are often easier as you are less likely to get offended or defensive when someone may challenge or question your path.
Grit.
In psychology, grit is a positive, non-cognitive trait based on a person's perseverance of effort combined with their passion for a particular long-term goal or end state. It is the ability to keep at it even when things get tough. So, if you made a good decision during a time of peace and confidence, do not lose your commitment when you hit a rough patch. Studying, exams, and interviews can be soul-crushing; when you are in these moments and questioning everything, just remind yourself of your “why” and the end goal.
The camel’s nose.
Just like a camel’s nose pushing it’s way into a tent, bad thoughts/habits and negative influences often start small until suddenly the while camel is inside the tent and walking off with it on its back! Making bad choices can seem appealing or harmless at first but be aware of this pattern and resist it early. As you are working your way through discerning a career path, be aware of anyone who is trying to sabotage your good traits and as well as any pessimistic thoughts that may be derailing you.
Sunlight.
It has long been recognized that the sun offers a variety of health benefits, including boosting mood and mental health, synthesizing vitamin D, and improving sleep patterns. Exposure to sunshine triggers the production of serotonin, often referred to as the "happy hormone," which can elevate mood, reduce symptoms of depression, and promote overall well-being, including decision-making! When you are feeling stuck, get outside and feel the sun on your skin and then seek the figurative “light”. The enemy works best in secrecy and isolation so sharing your struggles with a trusted person weakens the power of temptation.
Move, just move!
Just like sunlight, physical movement is another great way to shake off those cobwebs! It helps improve brain health, enhances mood, and reduces symptoms of anxiety. Students have a tendency to spend long hours indoors studying, watching tv/playing on their phones, and hanging out with friends; not leaving much time for exercise.
Talk to Yourself as if you were Someone you Loved.
If someone else were in your situation, what advice would you give them? Often we can see things more clearly when we take a step back. You can do this by journaling, chatting to someone you trust, or even booking a coaching session with me.
In for the long-haul.
A good decision leads to lasting peace, even if it is difficult at first, whereas a bad decision may seem exciting at first but leads to regret.
The Master’s Voice.
God’s guidance encourages, strengthens, and brings clarity. The enemy’s voice accuses, confuses, and pressures.
Take the Fork in the Road.
When making a decision, ask yourself: “Does this bring me closer to God and my purpose, or does it distract and pull me away?
—> The bottom line is, the right career for you can evolve over time but it should bring you joy by doing something you are good at while pleasing God.
This is based on a lesson we had during Adult Formation at my church in Charlotte, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. I have used some creative license to add onto these steps so that they are targeted to someone figuring out a career path, but they can easily be applied to any big decision you are facing in life.