Work as a means to the end

There is an argument to be made for "working for a living."

It is commonly argued today that we should choose a career or employment that matches our personality, likes vs. dislikes, etc., so that we employ ourselves "pursuing our joy." I will not argue against it, because I agree with the ideal. But I think most of us find ourselves living (surviving?) in a very different scenario.

When we come to terms with our need to provide for ourselves, and perhaps the ones who have joined us as family, a regular life sustaining diet, shelter, etc., often at a moment of shock as reality settles in around us in our late teens or early twenties, we might just grab the first opportunity for earning money that comes our way. We might promise ourselves to keep an eye open for better opportunities, but we quickly become involved in the routine of work, sleep, eat, and play, forgetting the search for anything better. In fact, short of an employment crisis, time passes quickly, and we find ourselves wondering years later, "is this really what I wanted to do with my life?"

The problem is not in the question, but rather in the direction of the inquiry. To ask of ourselves the question regarding shelter, food, and especially family, makes the answer an easy "yes! Absolutely!" When we relate the question to our career choice or employment, the answer might become more difficult. At the risk of sounding old and traditional, let me say what my father or grandfather might have said: "Just do your job, and thank God you've got one."

It's OK to view a job as simply a means to the end. You don't have to enjoy your job to find joy in your work (but it does help!). The joy in working is found in the reasons you are working at the job: shelter, food, family. You may have other reasons for working. I work because I love my God and King, and want to contribute as much as I can to the Kingdom enterprise--the church. To that end, I look for employment that pays as much as possible for the most flexible schedule, so that I can do the things I believe God has called me to do in the church. My skills, education and experience all impact the availability of such work. So do outside factors, like the strength and health of the economy, the mindset of potential employers regarding my need for work that fits my priority of church work, and the overall culture of the area wherein I currently live. Sometimes I have to settle for minimum wage and little flexibility. Sometimes I get more than I dream of! But every time, I work for a particular end: to be able to spend myself--earnings, time, etc.--building the King's enterprise. So I thank God for the job that He provides, and work hard and joyfully toward that end.

The joy is in the work, because it gives us what we need--the means--to accomplish the necessary end.