Self – Redefinition or Better Clarification

While seeking new employment and being on the verge of completing my degree, I have to struggle with redefining myself or just trying to better clarify who I already am.

This may confuse many people. However, a majority of Americans define themselves by the career they hold. This is keenly the case for me as both of my parents were career focused individuals. So as I seek new employment, do I become defined by my job?

For instance, if I get a job as a minister, am I defined as holy or as a good person? Or, if I get a job as a trash collector, am I defined as an underachiever due to my degree? If I get a job working at an office in a cubical, am I considered just another average Joe?

The fact of the matter is that we are defined by what we do. If our jobs pay more, we are considered successful. If we are paid less, then we are judged as less successful. The unfortunate aspect in this realization is that my preferred profession (working with people) will never pay well. So while I may be defined by my work, I know that my work provides me with a sense of worth.

It is this sense of worth that provides better clarification to the person that I am.

Working with teens teaches me that I am not first (or second), in fact I realize that I am typically considered last. Teens are focused on their needs first, and as I work with them I tend to become a servant.

In fact, real self-clarification typically comes through serving others. Just ask a mother, father, or minister. These are all people who truly know themselves in a humble way, and stand as true models for us as people and as Christians.

~ by Brad Raburn on May 5, 2009.