The Hopeful Career
#2 A Career That Gives Hope
by Dér Stépanos
Dingilian, Ph.D. © 2007
One would think that if we invest our time and effort in our career, it should give something back to us. And this is true. We get back what we put into our career!
The question is what are we looking to receive back from our career? If it is money, it will last until we pay our bills, and then become commonplace. We’ll still have to look for something else to give us purpose and direction in life. If it is the recognition and honor we’re looking for in our career, then, as soon as the banquet in appreciation of the honor we receive is over, then we’ll have to look for another challenge. If we are the type who looks for challenges, soon we’ll be stressed and burned out, and even our utmost positive attitude will not give us the strength to go forward in our career.
The only way our career will give back something to us and energize us is if we infuse it with hope and give hope to others through it. This is not just for clergy, physicians, or counselors. No, instilling hope in others is for every one of us. Each of us, regardless of our profession, we need to be hopeful to excel and be creative in our respective fields. But, if we simply stop with our own achievements, then both the hopefulness that we have will dwindle along with our creativity. However, if we can help instill hope in others, then we cannot but be energized by our career – we will get a return on our investment of hope! Our career will continue to blossom through creativity.
Does this mean that we all become counselors or sit in our offices, cubicles, or over the phone or the internet and have encouraging chats all day long? No! In fact, we instill hope in others by creatively doing what we agree to do professionally, with compassion and respect, and in a timely organized manner. More effective than words is action! True professionalism instills more hope in us and others than a long discussion. Our professional and compassionate effort in our career instills this hope in others, because others see that one can truly be accomplished and yet can remain an understanding and helpful human being. One without the other is not effective. When we convey this hopeful way of life in our career, it is then that we truly become respected not only for our accomplishment but also for being a human being worthy of respect. This respect cannot be bought. It can only be instilled in others by our hopeful professionalism!
Developing a hopeful career is not easy. Hope is not just a matter of attitude, perseverance, sales ability, or hard work. Hope can only come when we place ourselves full heartedly in our profession – not for the sake of our profession, but as a service to God for the betterment of those around us. This is what St. Paul emphasized to all Christians, even those who were persecuted. The choice is ours – the more hopefulness we instill in our career, the more hopeful fulfillment and respect we receive in return!
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