Choosing a career: from No to Yes in 7 Words

No: Making a choice of career is inextricably linked with defining our identity; career choice is usually the fundamental determinant of our social roles and touches upon every aspect of life from home to friends to self-image. Certain behaviour and keeping certain company is inappropriate within the context of some career choices.

Hello: It is important to consider options from an informed point of view. There are questions of qualifications, aptitude, work environment, personal characteristics and so on. There is a lot to learn in any career and it is required that we will be able to hold our attention upon the subject for sustained periods without losing interest or concentration.

Thanks: Career is more than a secure income, it is more than a vehicle through which to develop character— it can become of such importance that it is our life. [‘She lives for her work']. There is great joy to be found throughout the years when one has enthusiasm for one's work and so we feel grateful for it and know that it is of primary value in promoting happiness and quality of life.

Goodbye Traditionally an apprentice would demonstrate that he had learned his trade by producing a high-quality example of his skill called his masterpiece, which entitled him to be known as a master craftsman. The equivalent stage continues to exist, though in a different form— perhaps a written examination with a practical aspect. There are also other stages of advancement, perhaps emphasised by promotion or other kinds of recognition, after which we don't look back; we move from being a big fish to enter a larger pool and progress again.

Please: In order to focus our intention clearly upon attainment, we have an image of ourselves as an established master of our craft: as director, consultant, owner, manager and so on. Such self-images are goals and are helpful to motivate and overcome obstacles. They are usually taken on from respected or admired role models.

Sorry: As time progresses we slow down a little and the urgency of needing to achieve is replaced by confidence and wisdom so that we are more profoundly awakened into a sense of service. We can see our career as an aspect of real service to our employer or clients, to our community and to God. The inner qualities we have developed have deeper significance than the career's outer achievements and rewards.

Yes: Having almost completed the career cycle, we can graciously accept that there are new methods now, new ways that have made us a little out of date and so we come to realize that it is time to retire gracefully into the position of ‘elder'. Occasionally we are consulted for our knowledge, contacts or memories—and yet less and less frequently until we are finally released from involvement.

Career is not always expressed within the relationship between employer and employee and can have a vocational quality such that level of income is not the prime issue—and is even ignored. However, in some way we all tend to grow towards our fulfilment by attaining a socially defined role, a position within the community. ‘What do you do?' ‘Oh, I'm a …' if such a position is not fulfilling for us, maybe we need to do something to change it.

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