How to Find a Job/Career

Making good choices in these areas is very important. Here's some guidelines to help you succeed.

First: Consider where you'd feel comfortable. Doing otherwise results in unnecessary stress and, sometimes, avoidable workplace injuries.

Second: Consider what you'd enjoy doing. Make a list of desirable attributes and apply them to each option under consideration.

Third: Seek out wise counsel in two ways: 1) From those who know you as to what does or does not make sense. 2) From those who have current or past experience in an option under consideration.

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." {Proverbs 15:22 NIV}

Do not, however, give in to pressure from others.

Fourth: Be open to making changes as you gain additional knowledge or experience. Few people get it right the first time.

Fifth: If you're facing major mental health challenges, be open to a less than desirable job while you are making progress. Don't set yourself up for failure. Again, seek out wise counsel.

Sixth: Seek out help from friends and contacts at church. They may be able to provide you with contacts not available to the general public. This is especially useful if you have a troubled job history.

Seventh: If you've had gaps in employment due to mental health, substance abuse or incarceration issues, approach the challenge in a way that honors God, in a way that God can bless.

In regard to mental health or substance abuse challenges, you might say that these were due to "personal issues" or "health issues." You could also say that your health issues are "sort of personal."

In regard to incarceration, you could also say "personal issues." Or you could simply state that you were incarcerated. The prospective employer might appreciate your honesty.

In any case, stress that you're now ready and able to do a good job, if hired.

Avoid lying and deception. Of course, use discretion in terms of how much information you disclose. The only thing the prospective employer can do is say 'no.'

Eighth: Recognize that any successful job experience provides you with a starting point. It's much easier to get another, better job, while you are currently employed.

Also, with large organizations, upward mobility is possible.

Ninth: Look for options 'outside the box'; that is, other than what is most obvious. Whether you're looking for a career, or just a job, you'll likely get better results this way.

Tenth: Don't select a job option that might require you to use psychotropic drugs in order to perform adequately. Your health is of primary importance.

Eleventh: Involve God in the process. Always be sensitive to His guidance. And, of course, anything He makes 100% clear, do.

Twelfth: Be sure you're praying, and reading a chapter of the Bible, every day. This is highly recommended.

Finally: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." {Matthew 7:7-8 NASB}

An examination of the original Greek text indicates that this Scripture is telling us to "keep on asking," "keep on seeking" and "keep on knocking."

Persistence, in general, is often required. And your unwavering faith is your most precious asset.

These will work even in the most extreme circumstances including large gaps in employment, lack of family support, incarceration and poverty.

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