3 Big Career Uncertainties You Can Trust God With
3 min read | 17 January, 2024
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” - JRR Tolkien in The Fellowship of the Ring
The world is full of massive problems. If you want to pursue a career tackling these problems, you will need to trust God in these three key areas of career uncertainty:
Geography 🌐
Roles in global health and development might take you from Chicago to Nairobi.
Oftentimes the best role for you requires a move:
Roles that influence US policy are overwhelmingly based in Washington D.C.
Roles in global health and development might move you from Chicago to Nairobi.
Roles in Missions might move you from London to rural India.
Roles that minimize cost-of-living and maximize donation and outreach potential might take you to Thailand.
Even Jesus was constantly on the go (Matt 8:20).
No matter where you go, God is with you, too. And there is nothing you can do (or anywhere you can go) that will separate you from His love (Romans 8:39).
It’s normal to feel anxious about being called to move someplace new. But what’s important is to trust God amid the change.
Trust Him and follow Him boldly to wherever you can have the greatest impact for His Kingdom.
Don’t forget to pray with and ask for guidance from others at your church before making big decisions, like moving someplace new!
2. Changing roles 💼
The most tractable ways to solve the world’s most pressing issues can and do change.
For instance, a few years ago, what was needed for plant-based meat (a key solution in the climate and animal cruelty spaces) was MBAs. Now it’s STEM.
What’s more, AI is beginning to transform the workplace.
This means that if you are pursuing the most impactful path, you might change roles frequently, especially early in your career.
Just ask anyone in your sector what they did 20 years ago, and if they successfully predicted then where they are now.
It’s probably impossible to predict with confidence what you will best be doing in 10+ years.
And that’s okay.
We don’t need to fully understand our future.
We trust in the God who holds the future in His hands:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
That being said, we strongly encourage you to create a plan for your career.
3. Financial 💰
Career uncertainty and radical generosity might mean delaying the house purchase (or deferring it altogether)
Radical impact requires radical financial faithfulness.
One form of this faithfulness is honoring God’s career calling despite the serious financial uncertainty.
For instance:
Startup founders often operate on only several weeks to months of runway.
Missionaries have to raise support to cover their costs.
Workers in policy, nonprofit, missions or advocacy generally have to accept a lower salary (for a potentially higher direct impact)
Another form of this faithfulness is radical and effective generosity.
We see so much Christ-likeness in the model of setting a spending limit, and giving everything above that away.
We also love this pledge to give 10%+ of one’s lifetime income to effective charities.
Jesus tells us:
“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” (Matthew 6:25:-34).
This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make financial plans, or even have 6-24 months runway. But it does mean that if we seek first God’s kingdom, God will provide for our material needs.
Upshot:
If you’re following God’s calling to a maximally impactful career:
Your work won’t be easy.
You (probably) won’t have career or geographic certainty.
You won’t be perfectly financially secure.
But you will have God’s Word, His promises, and His grace (2 Cor 12:8-10).
Put your trust in these.
