When unemployed, you have an
opportunity to do something we don’t usually take time to do; please don’t miss
it. I’m serious; this is a chance to ask yourself some key questions about
work. When you become unemployed, the first thing you think about or someone tells
you to do is to update your resume.
While this is indeed important, I believe the most
important thing is to consider your gifts—what you do well, what brings you joy
in your work. Too many people are working but not experiencing joy because
their job doesn’t match their gifts.
Let’s look at 1 Peter 4:10. Each of
you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful
stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. We can draw three things from
this text which are important for your job search.
“Use whatever gifts you have
received.” God doesn’t say hide your gifts; he says to use them. That can mean
finding a job that offers the opportunity to use your gifts every day, not once
a month or once a year. I imagine you, like me, can learn how to do many
things. But the difference between the ability to do
something and a gift is the level of
joy and excitement it brings. I’m analytical and good with numbers, but they
don’t bring joy or excitement. That’s not how I want to use my time.
Too often we ignore this part of a job
search because we feel panicked about getting back to work to earn money. But I
urge you to take the time to ask your friends, family, and former coworkers what
they see as your gifts. Write them on a piece of paper. As you consider
applying for different jobs, ask yourself if
the job offers the opportunity to use
the gifts you identified. If you won’t be using your gifts, why consider the
job?
Next, the text says we ought to use
these gifts to serve others. If it’s really a gift, you’ll be helping others in
using it. In the work environment, using your gifts will make the team you work
on better than without you. Those you serve—your customers—will benefit because
your gifts are being used.
The third thing is to be faithful
stewards. To be a faithful steward of your gift, you must take care of it. You
can’t do that by ignoring a gift or hiding it. One of the ways we exhibit stewardship
is to use the gifts God has given us.
I believe God wants us to have joy in
what we do for a living. On your journey, look for jobs that let you use your
gifts, regardless of the money you’ll make. After all, money won’t provide
long-term satisfaction; it’s something we never think we have enough of. But
when you’re doing something that uses your gifts, the joy you receive and share
with others will reap wonderful rewards.
From the devotion, "What Are Your Gifts?" from the devotional book, How Long, O Lord, How Long? Devotions for the Unemployed and Those Who Love Them by Dale Kreienkamp
From Kathy Bernard, author of WiserUTips.com: Dale's devotional book is excellent and would make for a great holiday gift for all those suffering through unemployment.
Dale Kreienkamp is the President & CEO of Thriving Through Transitions, a
consultancy focused on helping individuals and organizations
successfully navigate difficult, personal and professional, transitions and
become better through the process. His professional background includes
over 40+ years as a Human Resources Executive and Consultant, coaching and
guiding leaders.
He is a speaker, and the author
of How Long, O Lord, How Long? Devotions for the Unemployed and Those
Who Love Them, written after he personally experienced a journey of
unemployment twice when his positions were eliminated in organizational
restructuring. As a result, Dale developed a
strong desire to help others impacted by life’s challenges and unexpected
transitions. He shares his message of hope and reinvention through
transformational talks, inspirational devotions and life-changing programs.
________________________________________________________________
WiserU provides LinkedIn and career training and services for individuals and organizations. Visit WiserU.com for details.
- Businesses arrange for WiserU to maximize their use of LinkedIn for sales,
marketing, and fundraising through training and services. Learn more
- The unemployed and miserably employed hire WiserU for career coaching and LinkedIn profile and resume services. wiseru.com/services/
- Subscribe to WiserUTips.com for weekly LinkedIn and career tips!
