Frequently Asked Bible Questions
What can I do to increase my job security in an uncertain job market?
With all the layoffs and financial troubles, how can I avoid unemployment and decrease my money worries?
With the current state of the world's economy, the unpleasant
questions of job security and financial troubles are likely to be
unwelcome visitors in the minds of many. The following tips, adapted
from an article by Joann S. Lublin in the Wall Street Journal in
December 2002 with biblical support added, could help you increase
the longevity of your job.
Don't splurge; save.
Struggle to get yourself into a solvent financial position so that
you are not threatened by every change of the financial wind. You
may need to save money and tighten your belt to do that. We are
bombarded with ads telling us how much we deserve a vacation in
some exotic place, a new car, a new house or new furniture. Credit
cards can make our financial controls difficult to handle. Fight
the temptation to overspend.
Avoid anger, paralysis and panic.
Ecclesiastes 10:20 advises us not to curse those over us or say negative
things because a "bird" may take your words to the boss.
Fear and anxiety can lead to comments that make an employee expendable. "Jittery
employees often quit at the first sign of an upcoming layoff. That
may be a mistake," warns Linda R. Dominguez.
Give it your all.
Put time and effort into concentrating on the important tasks that
will show you can adapt and are a valuable employee. Be sure your
work is on time and well done. Go above and beyond. For example,
a young man was hired for a job that took him around the company's
property. He also made it his personal work to pick up litter that
was lying around. Someone in charge saw this action and he was promoted.
He now holds an important job with the firm.
Seek to improve.
Examine yourself to see if you are wasting time or effort in your
job. Talking too much with others and taking extended coffee breaks
are noticed by bosses who are concerned about efficiency. Take a
good look at your dress and working habits—can you improve?
Psalm 26:2 reveals David's request for God to examine him
and test him. David wanted to know where he could improve. Paul
tells us to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5). The principles
that apply spiritually also work physically.
Explore alternate career paths.
This may seem like a contradiction to working hard for a company,
but the advice, when taken properly, is a sign of a person who is
thinking. Hope and plans for the future are vital to performance.
Further education and training could make you more valuable in your
present career or job, and it can open new doors for you when you
are ready.
The Wall Street Journal article says, "Plot out a
contingency plan." Of course, this planning must be done outside
of work time and in a confidential way. But planning for the future
does not mean you are disloyal. Mental health is enhanced by hopes
and dreams of a future we want.
Intensify your networking efforts.
"Get involved with your professional organization right now—before
you get laid off," suggests Lara Nolen. We need to know people and have
contacts all over.
Exercise and maintain a positive attitude.
"Kick up your exercise program a little bit," recommends Marilyn
Moats Kennedy. The apostle Paul told Timothy that bodily exercise profits
us a little (compared to godliness, which profits us a lot; 1 Timothy 4:8).
Remember that Paul wrote in the days when people walked everywhere. Exercise
is even more necessary in our day. We probably sit more than any generation
before us. We need to get our bodies in motion. We should also focus and meditate
on positive things (Philippians 4:8).
Final thoughts from Scripture.
These points are not guaranteed, surefire ways to keep from ever losing
your job. Unexpected changes in life can throw a monkey wrench into
our plans and instantly change whatever course we had charted out.
In Matthew 6:25-34, we are told not to worry about these things,
but to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).
Though we are certainly to give the jobs and challenges we face in
this life the best effort we can, our focus is to be on God, keeping
His commandments and seeking His Kingdom. A position there, unlike
one in the job market, is the only one that is eternal, permanent
and forever secure.
Related Online Resources
Finding
Success in Your Job and Career
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for success in your job and career. What are its key principles?
A
Source of Timeless Financial Advice
One of the best sources of financial guidance is the book of Proverbs.
Managing
Your Finances in Tough Times: Five Steps You Can Take
In these serious economic times, what can you do to strengthen your
family's financial position? Here are five crucial steps you
can take to put your finances on a more sound footing.
Managing Your
Finances
What advice does the Bible offer about money and our attitude toward
it? This booklet is packed with biblical advice and practical tips.
Keeping Your Job in a Bad Economy
Be diligent in being on time, completing the job and being enthusiastic
and you will be in the best position to keep your job.
Talking Yourself Out of a Job
A major reason why people get fired is because they disrupt the work
of others with gossip and talking about personal problems. Are you
literally talking yourself out of a job?
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