Purposeful Perspective

I've heard several times that 'Generation Nexters' (born in the 1980's) will change jobs every few years. Due to age of nexters, we don't really know how their mid to late career will look - only time will tell.

I've overwhelmingly heard from young people that they have no idea what they want to do as a career. This is an issue when deciding what to study in college as well as what to do post-graduation. I think the indecisive nature of today's youth directly relates with their (our) fickle career path.

How can we address this dichotomy nature of our up and coming leaders?

First off, the below is only my humble opinion. I've been out of college for 6 years and am on my 4th job. However, I do feel like I've gained a little insight on how to address this.

It all comes down to purpose. I believe our existential purpose it to glorify God. But what about our day to day career purpose? I think it can be narrowed down by focusing on two things. Talent and passion.

When deciding whether to be a doctor, banker, chef, or bum working a youth camp; it might help to look at your talents and passions.

Talents - What are you good at? What comes easy to you? Are you best at working with your hands or building relationships with people? You might have an incredibly sharp mind and can remember the color shirt you wore on the first day of 8th grade. I believe God gives us talents to equip us for our destiny, and these talents set us up better for certain vocations.

Passions - What do you love? Does sitting still for 8 hours drive you totally nuts? Might want to steer clear of banking. If you love problem solving and creating efficiencies, you might thrive working for a logistics company or a small start-up. Again, we are passionate about our passions for a reason. I don't think it's happenstance.

This doesn't mean you should be a couch potato if you really enjoy Xbox and are extremely talented at sitting on your bum. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 says, "For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat."

I'm a firm believer if you trust in the Lord, He will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). It's at the convergence of your passions and your talents that you will find the desire of your heart.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 

I could be totally wrong. But who can argue with doing something you love and you're pretty dang good at? Recklessly chasing a lifestyle or status is for the birds.