Called to Serve: Balancing Career, Faith, and Future Aspirations
This is my third and last post about my exploration of the relationship between my present and future identity through the lens of Christian theology. To get the overall context of this series, you can check the links to my first two articles:
This time, my focus will be on career interests and choices. To elaborate this, allow me to share a brief overview of my past.
Ten years ago, I started to dream about being a professional esports player, but due to the unfavorable market concerning this line of expertise as well as my family’s limited financial capabilities, I went on to bury this passion of mine. As a Christian, I also sensed that it was not God’s will for me to take that path. Moreover, and even before that, I failed my ABM course at STI Fairview since I was disinterested in studying. I find video games more challenging. It was then that I transferred here at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary as an ultimatum by my parents. Looking back, it is as if the Lord was calling our family back to this institution. Now I am sure that it was his plan all along.
Currently, I plan to finish my undergraduate studies and then acquire a master's degree or a degree for qualifying in teaching general subjects—to what specific course—I have not decided. Other classes I want to teach pertain to general education subjects in line with English, mathematics, and science. I plan to be a professor of theology in this institution as a means to train myself first, either working full-time in the administration or as a part-time professor. So that even if I ever get an opportunity to teach at other schools, I will take it but still teach at my alma mater as a part-time professor.
On the other hand, pastoral works are also, while not my primary interest, can be God’s plan for me as well. I also do not eliminate the possibility that I can be both a professor in a seminary or a university and be a teaching pastor as well. Additionally, my mind and heart might change in the process of walking with Christ, and I might look at pastoral works with greater interest.
When it comes to business, I am greatly influenced by my father in financial literacy. He often tells me that business is the second step in financial freedom. The first is to start and experience what it is like to have a career. The third is to let money work for you. In the economic situation of our country, where two or more people have jobs in a family of four or five and still struggle financially, it is wise, therefore, to look at the future with a business-like mindset. In order to achieve that, I need a headstart—by saving capital through my first job—and having no other financial priorities will help me do so. Then I will look for suitable businesses to establish or invest in while learning the stock and crypto market exchanges. Being involved in business in the future is something I am sure of, even though my plans right now are quite vague.
I am also deeply interested in philanthropic work. I am quite concerned in the area of relief in times of calamities, since, to my knowledge, there are few Christian organizations in this field. This is one of the reasons why I want to be financially free.
Finally, in terms of building my social sphere, I see myself in 2030 as a reliable figure that my students can share and connect with in aspects of learning and personal counseling. Furthermore, I do not plan to establish a family while being unable to provide for their needs. Inflation is one thing; security is another. In terms of a romantic relationship, I am uninterested in being in one for now, and I even have a conception that I would go old spouseless.
Conclusion
Experience should be understood under who provides the context for it. This is a resurfacing notion in this paper. As such, the Scriptures provide the best understanding of what the future would be like. And after discussing the theological foundations of identity, my future conception must be in line with what God’s image and possession should be, emitting his character of love, kindness, holiness, and justice. I also understood that “I am whom who does not only live for himself.” I am a part of the body of Christ and shares the same destiny as those with Him, in spiritual growth, the sharing of burden, and to fulfill our purposes here on Earth. Therefore, the question "Who will I be in 2030?" cannot be answered solely through the lens of personal ambition or the traditional markers. As such, my skills should align well with this identity by devoting myself to fields that will help me achieve God’s purposes in my life. These ministries or careers that go hand-in-hand with my strengths and God’s purposes include those of a seminarian professor or a teaching pastor.
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