Finding Nothing in My Field, Should I Pursue A New Calling?

I've been looking for a job in my field for awhile. I pick up short-term contracts but never anything permanent. Is this a sign that I should pursue something else?

It's difficult when things aren't going the way we hope. Yet this can be an opportunity to ask whether God is inviting you to something different. This could be a different career, a different area in your field, or even approaching your current situation differently.

The lack of a permanent job might indeed mean that this field is not the best fit for you. Feedback you've received at work might give you a better sense of your skills and how you fit in this field. Ideally, you'd find someone you trust to look through this feedback, someone who is able to be honest about your weaknesses and strengths and who isn't affected by your decision.

It might also mean that there are few permanent jobs in your field. The question then is how long you keep trying to find something. For each person the answer is different, but it's good to pay attention to how much of a burden these contracts might place on your family. If you have aging parents, not having a permanent job might give you more freedom to help them, but it might also make it harder to use benefits and take time off. If you have children at home, more stability is usually better for everyone.

If you have the freedom and gifts to pursue a job in your field, you should think through how you can do this well. It can be lonely moving from place to place, so it's important to develop strong relationships with old friends, family members, and a local Christian community. You should anticipate the work involved in constantly looking for positions and the disappointment if and when you receive rejections. Last of all, can you let go of what you had expected with your career and wonder how God might be inviting you into new ways to "give freely and gladly of your money and time" (Our World Belongs to God, 48)?

It is wise to re-evaluate as your situation and experiences change. At the same time, no matter what position you have or how permanent it is, you can trust that God is able to use your gifts to help others and glorify God.