“I Don’t Like My Current Situation!”

“Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭9:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Hello, I hope you had a great weekend? Lately, there has been a surge in unemployment rate. Economies of many nations are shrinking which has made it unbearable on its citizens. Major retailers and small businesses all seem to be closing down or downsizing. This calls for alarm and many people who are unfortunately victims are crying out aloud, “I don’t like my current situation!”

As a result, most people are in between jobs. There is a dilemma here: most will have to settle for a less paying job, others feel like “a square peg in a round hole” situation- they are not liking their current situation as in regards to the new job they are doing.

I have done jobs I didn’t like. What motivated me was the above quote from King Solomon. I have made it my matter to do what I do well irrespective of what kind of job it is or the pay packet involved. I must admit, it is refreshing having that kind of outlook. Just want to share some truths as we all go through this difficult journey together.

1. Your job doesn’t define you– mostly, men gain their significance from what they do which is tied to how much they earn. So most struggle during a transition phase. Your significance is derived from who you are- your identity. You may have worked at a high end job like, say, Wall Street in New York. The fact that you may lose your job because of the economy and do something less glamorous shouldn’t define you. You are not the position of your current job or past job for that matter. YOU ARE YOU.

2. Your skills are still relevant– there are currently professionals who have degrees, yet misplaced. Skills don’t make you unsettled, no matter the new work environment or experience you find yourself in. Degrees and qualifications can only work within a certain context, skills however have a universal reach. During this pandemic, don’t focus so much on your academic certificates. I am certainly not downplaying them, it should be celebrated. But to make yourself hirable, focus on the skills you have acquired from your previous work experience(s) like problem solving, being a team player, coachable, leadership skills, emotional intelligence etc.

3. You might not get a job like your previous one– brace yourself for this uncomfortable truth. It could be many factors, for instance, this pandemic will certainly make some jobs obsolete. In addition to that, you might be overqualified, or the particular industry you are searching into might be choked. With these realities, what are you going to do? It is not the end of the world certainly, and your job doesn’t define you. Sometimes losing a job (especially our preferred ones) can help us go on the road of self discovery. During this time, ask yourself these three words, “who am I?”

4. You might need to upgrade your skills– it might be time to pick up a course, learn new skills during this time to augment everything you have acquired during your working years.

It is my prayer you will be encouraged especially if you are between jobs. My heart goes out to you. I thought of you, that is why I wrote today’s post.

Till I come your way again…

Peace & Love