Choice and Pursuit of Careers

Living is all about “doing” through actions and decisions that are defined and determined by the “being” of an individual—a learner to acquire skills; a mentor to help others get what they want; an expert to broaden insights in a special field.

So, “being” and “doing” go hand-in-hand throughout the careers of any individual. All grown-ups require change and acceptance—changing any pre-conceived mindset about what they can or cannot do; and accepting what they think they cannot or are unwilling to change. For example, if they don’t want to learn and acquire skills, they must accept a low-paying job, such as working at the checkout of a grocery store. Unfortunately, not accepting a low-paying job while doing nothing to change themselves is the "bondage" of many to committing crimes, such as stealing, burglarizing, and robbing.

Living without faith and in the flesh, many grown-up adults become vulnerable to sins and wrongdoings. For example, while climbing the career ladder, they may even push someone over so that they can get to the top.          

With faith, you get God’s wisdom to help you do the right and the righteous things in your choice and pursuit of your careers, such as becoming a professional with expertise backed by related training to earn a higher income; or starting a business with your own innovative ideas inspired by God in your passion, your motivation, and your perseverance.

An Illustration

In the early 1980s, Christopher Paul Gardner was very poor and homeless; he often slept on the floor of a public toilet. Gardner never dreamt that he would become a multi-millionaire one day. His very inspiring life story was even made into a hit Hollywood movie, starring Will Smith: “The Pursuit of  Happyness.”

Gardner was brought up with the belief that he could be anything that he wanted to be with his “doing.” He was homeless, but not hopeless. He often dreamed of wealth and success, and his dreams were not mirages. Because of his right doing, he made his dreams come true.

Initially, Gardner made his living by selling medical equipment. He didn’t make enough money to make both ends meet, and his poverty made him homeless for a year.

Then, one day, Gardner met a stockbroker in a red Ferrari, whom he asked for an internship. Gardner’s incredible drive and sustained enthusiasm finally got him his internship.

After his internship, Gardner applied for a position in that investment firm. On the day before his interview for that position, Gardner lost his shirt and clothing. Nevertheless, he still attended the interview even though he was not “appropriately dressed” for the occasion. It was Gardner’s “determined doing” that got him his job.

Gardner had a successful investment career, and he finally opened his own investment firm, Gardner Rich & Co.

More than two decades later, after the death of his wife who challenged him to find his own true passion and fulfillment in the remainder of his life, Gardner then made a complete career change. He "transformed" himself into a philanthropist and a remarkable motivation speaker traveling around the world, focusing not on his own wealth, but on humanity and helping others to get their happiness through their “doing” of what had to be done.

“People often ask me would I trade anything from my past, and I quickly tell them NO, because my past helped to make me into the person I am today.”

Gardner demonstrated what God had destined for him through his faith and his own transformation.

Living by faith: You believe that God is in charge of everything in your life, including your careers. So, your choice and pursuit of your careers should be your God-driven trust and obedience.

Stephen Lau

Living By Faith Is Living In Miracles