At an early age, we’re encouraged to consider what we want to be when we grow up. I didn’t grow up in a household where settling into a career was a big deal, so as a result I didn’t really know what career I would be working towards as I entered college. My college career began with a major in Computer Science, chosen with the idea that it would guarantee financial stability. As much as I love the idea of being financially stable, I hated the classes I took and really wondered whether this was the right career path for me. I had taken countless career assessments that repeatedly pointed me towards the counseling field, but I was told I wouldn't make good money. As much as it pained me, eventually, I switched my major to Sociology, which I found far more enjoyable. After graduating college with my degree in Sociology, I landed my first job at a university in the Financial Aid office, not really the place where I could use my sociology skills. On the surface, it seemed like a stable job. I had wonderful colleagues, medical benefits, most things anyone could ask for out of their first job out of college. But underneath, a storm of dissatisfaction was brewing inside of me. The Sunday scaries haunted me. I couldn't sleep at night. I couldn't even enjoy the weekend because I spent all day dreading the thought of going back to work on Monday. I cried almost every Sunday, not wanting the weekend to end. It became clear that I was living a life that was void of passion and purpose. A life certainly God did not want for me.
My financial aid job left me underpaid and feeling unfulfilled. The day-to-day work involved clerical tasks and numbers – not my cup of tea. I felt like a robot, just going through the motions. That discomfort pushed me to question the direction of my career and seek God for purpose and passion. I realized I had never prayed for guidance on my career path before or during my four years of college, which perfectly positioned me for dissatisfaction. I needed help.
I did what most people would do after longing for work, I spent my free time applying for jobs. Job hunting led to disappointments and feelings of rejection, which left me wondering what was next. I couldn't help but feel that God was prompting me to leave my job. The scripture that stood out for me most during that time was Mark 4:35-40. After mulling the decision for months, I decided to trust God and leave my job…without another job lined up. I know that is the ultimate no-no when it comes to job searching. This act took a lot (I mean A LOT) of faith, but little did I know, God was preparing me to walk His path towards a brighter future.
Leaving my job didn’t come without its share of heartache. I found myself unemployed for months...years even, but I knew that God had something greater in store for me. Leaving my job opened the door for God to reveal His calling in my life. I began to feel an overwhelming passion to support others on their journey to discovering their purpose. A vision was birthed within me, particularly to help young individuals explore their callings before starting their college journeys. The idea of seeking God's guidance in this area prior to college made perfect sense to me. This was something that would have had a profound effect on my college years, and I wanted to give back any way I could. With this newfound purpose ignited, I started to take steps toward a career in counseling. Eventually, I earned my Master's Degree in Counseling and became a certified Life Coach, specializing in helping others uncover their God-given purpose and life's calling.
My journey from a job that drained my spirit to a career full of purpose and passion was not without its challenges. It was a leap of faith, but it brought me to a place where I could fully trust God for what came next. If my story teaches you anything, let it be the importance of seeking God to reveal your true calling. Pursuing that alignment is a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor, but the process does not guarantee an instant outcome or comfort. I'm excited to guide others on their journey to discovering their God-given purpose, just as I have discovered mine.
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