Youth On The Move By Keith Powell

Choosing Your Life’s Work

Last month we talked to our youth about keys to having a successful life. This month, we’ll talk about success and include finding your niche in the workplace. There are two ways of looking at the work you will do. First, you can choose your work. Next, your work can choose you. I opt for the second.

The concept of a vocation is more than just having a job. “Vocation” comes from the Latin word “to call”. Having a vocation is more than having a job. Let me explain. Let’s say that you discover a real interest in medicine and after examining the options, you have an unshakeable desire to go into medicine. The general category of medicine can be your vocation, or calling. You might then choose to enter the field as a medical doctor. That would be your career. You might then choose to become a pediatrician. That would be your job.

A vocation, then, calls to you. You can find your calling by following these simple steps. The earlier you begin, the less likely you are to struggle with preparing for a meaningful work life. When you find your calling, it will be a natural fit that will provide you a sense of meaning and worth in your work.

The first step is to know who you are; that is to know how your personality works and what kinds of work others with your personality have done successfully. I suggest logging onto www.humanmetrics.com and taking the Jung Personality test. You’ll find a lot of helpful information on your personality and people who have been successful in various careers.

Next, get to know people who are successful in their jobs and get them to mentor you. You would be surprised how many people want to help younger people make wise choices and get started young in their careers. Tom Hopkins, one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs started his first career in real estate at the age of 19. Successful people don’t normally go looking for someone to mentor, but they are open to help people who seek them out.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to try several different jobs. Remember, you are looking for your vocation, for the work that calls to you. If you limit your experience, you may never find the one, true fit for you. A vocation is something that meets your financial needs, adds value to your life, is exciting and interesting over the long term, and allows you to grow and become a better person.

Some people you can start your conversation with are your school’s guidance counselor. These professionals are trained to help coach you through the educational process that will equip you for your chosen vocation. Another great resource is S.C.O.R.E., the Service Corps of Retired Executives. You can research the various helps they offer at www.score.org.

Right now, it may seem that adult life and work is far away. The fact is that it is closer than you think. Find your plan, and then work your plan. Success will follow.

We Feature Tucson Kids!

To submit a child for recognition, or an article suggestion for consideration in “YouthOnTheMove”, email your name, contact information and a brief description of who or what you would like to see featured, and why, to Keith Powell at: keithepowell@hotmail.com.

Keith Powell is Pastor of LifePoint Church, a personal coach, Realtor and mortgage loan officer. Keith can be reached by calling 981-5242 or, keithepowell@hotmail.com.