The Best Career Advice

Recently, I came across a post about the best career advice someone received and it focused on the following two concepts: Earning and/or Learning. Essentially, your job either pays you well enough to ensure a comfortable working environment and lifestyle, or it serves as a stepping stone towards a future position where you can continuously learn and enhance your skill set. The ideal situation is to have both, where both competitive pay and continuous professional growth contribute to a thriving career. However, I have always felt that there was a significant element missing that could make all the difference.

I was fortunate to have lived in Silicon Valley and studied engineering. This season of my life focused on earning money to start my career and independent life from my parents. However, I quickly realized it was unfulfilling, and I dreaded working in this industry despite making good money. It was at that time when the city of San Jose was desperate to have engineers become teachers in their school system. It was not a mere coincidence of this timing, but God’s timing to change my career trajectory. I was already withdrawing from the engineering industry, and I had a desire to serve others, which I finally realized was a calling from God. I transitioned to become a middle school teacher and dealt with teenagers for the next few years. It was glorious, and I enjoyed the relationships built with students, but I don’t miss the teacher grind. I certainly wasn’t earning anything, but I was learning.

I continue to serve in an educational capacity, supporting youth in pursuing careers in the engineering and science industries. It has come full circle for me, uniting my two fields of study into a rewarding career centered around serving others. Throughout this journey, I have undoubtedly gained valuable experience and financial stability, but it was the missing piece of PURPOSE that brought everything together. God’s calling led me to this fulfilling work, making it the best career advice I have ever received. While earning money and learning on the job are essential, it is the third piece – PURPOSE – that truly fulfills the heart and soul. Thank you, Lord! 

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

As a final reflection on purpose, I have come to realize that this journey consists of multiple seasons. I feel blessed to know that God has called me to serve others in an educational capacity. However, I have also learned that this calling can manifest in various forms, from my days as a teacher, athletics coach, administrator, small business entrepreneur, and even a consultant. I understand that new seasons will come, and exciting adventures await, but I have embraced and finally recognize God’s calling to serve others in an educational capacity. What has God called you to do at this moment in your life?

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

-HC