You’ve been asked this question since freshman year, and if you happen to be a junior or a senior, variations of this question have probably come up more and more frequently. For some of us, that question may seem infinitely far away, while for others, this question is forced upon us daily, and maybe we still don’t have an answer. Regardless of where we stand in relation to it, we have to be honest — at some point, we will enter the workforce. We will enter the ‘real world,’ as they say. So what are we to do? How do you decide, right now, what you intend on doing for the rest of your life? It’s almost insane to think about. How are you (at, say, 22 years old) supposed to make a decision of what job will satisfy you for the next 30+ years? That involves thinking about whether you’d like to travel or not, if you intend on marrying someone or not, if you plan on having kids or not. Do you really think that any of us can make such a big decision at this age with any sort of wisdom?
I don’t know how others answer that question, but there is one point that I would humbly submit to you, the reader: that, in fact, your occupation doesn’t really matter. Working is not about what you do; it’s about who you are and how you work. Our passions might change, but our commitments will assuredly change, and families will likely come too. Life hits us, and our “10-year plans” will probably fall apart from what we thought originally — and I honestly believe that’s okay.
Let me give a case example: the one and only Gladys Burrell, our friendly FFC cashier. Everyone knows (and loves!) Gladys. She is always so happy, so joyful and so encouraging. But how? What is her secret? “Love God, love my family and love all people…in that order!” was her response when I asked her. Notice what’s not mentioned in that sentence.“Get into Hopkins Med” seems to be missing. “Make enough money to live comfortably” is absent as well. “Start my own consulting company,” “change national policy,” “build my resumé,” “marry a nice girl or guy" — all missing. Now, obviously, we all have different dreams and aspirations and are meant to pursue different occupations. My point is that all of these goals are subject to change, or might not even be what we want in a few years. But look at what Ms. Gladys treasures: things that don’t depend on her job. If she (heaven forbid!) were to be fired, she could find just as much joy in a different job. In fact, she could find a deep sense of peace and joy even if unemployed!
So why do we care so much about our careers? Why do we strive so hard to get to the next step and the next career move? How much of life’s goodness do we miss because we’re stuck living for the “next big thing?” I honestly think we’ve grown up being told that our identities were tied to what we do, and we’ve all foolishly complied with that idea. Maybe it’s because we heard the phrase “I’m proud of you” only after we achieved some tangible academic success. Maybe we were told that “winners” work hard, get prestigious jobs and become rich. But maybe — just maybe — all of our striving for careers and jobs is as pointless as chasing the wind if we do not have a deeper purpose.
I know for myself, as a biomedical engineer, it is easy to get caught up in the rat race for jobs, research, grades, school and an overall comfortable future. But as my four year career at Hopkins comes to a close, I’ve come away with one big lesson: the people with the most joy on this campus were not the super successful doctors or professors of god-like fame. Consistently, the most content and joyful people I’ve ever met have been the people who’ve trusted God with their lives, their hearts and their love. And regardless of what jobs they take, they can be satisfied and enjoy life.
I know I want that kind of indomitable satisfaction, regardless of where I am employed. I hope we all, particularly my fellow graduating seniors, can make that a lifelong pursuit.
Joshua Kays is a Senior studying Biomedical Engineering from Havertown, Pa.
