2017 is destined to be an extraordinary year for me!
Since the end of 2016, I have been becoming more unsettled at work. Disturbed by the idea of whether to change jobs, I could not relax with my family during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
After several weeks’ struggle, I finally decided to find a new job! In the meantime, I will also perform my duty in what I need to do for my current job.
Work is less important
My mother was supportive about my job searching at first. However, she didn’t sound very interested when hearing that a famous company had called me for interview.
On the contrary, she suggested that I find a good boyfriend rather than struggling alone.
“In the end, you are going to marry someone and have your own family. Work should not always be the center of your life!” Said my mother.
From my mother’s point of view, to be an independent career woman seems less important than to have a boyfriend whom I could rely on in the future.
Irresponsible for current employer
My friend, Liu,ji, advised me to leave the company and not to take my current job too seriously.
“They just want to take advantage of you before dismissing you. There is no point for you to work hard for them. You had better leave!” said my friend.
My idea of being conscientious to my current employer was mocked as being pointless and pedantic.
The story of two frogs
Both my mother and my friend sound understandable to some extent. But from the bottom of my heart, I feel uncomfortable following their advice.
A short story on the church pamphlet enlightened me when I was troubled.
There are two frogs who fell into the well. Both were trying to jump out of the well at the beginning. At the same time, frogs outside the well shouted to them to give up.
“You are never going to jump out from such a deep well!”
“Save your energy and stay there for good!”
“Don’t be stupid! You are wasting time!”
Hearing all the discouragements, frog A decided to give up while frog B kept jumping. Eventually, frog B succeeded in rescuing itself from the deep water.
“We told you to give up! Why didn’t you listen to us?” asked the other frogs.
“I have a hearing problem! I can’t really hear you clearly down the well!” replied frog B.
Decision with faith
We will hear all shades of opinion when making decisions. It’s important to hold strongly to your own belief when in doubt.
“Avoid Godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.” (Timothy Chapter 2, Verse 16)
I have decided that I enjoy my work so that I will keep seeking a career in the field that I currently work in for. Besides, I’m still working for the current company so it’s necessary to fulfill my responsibility until I leave.
At last, I became determined to follow my original decision! To keep exploring a career and to be responsible for the current job will please God as I’m doing the work for Him. God will be pleased as I keep positive thinking instead of dishonoring others and being negative.
At the same time, I still love my mother for she always wants the best for me even though we hold different views on work and life. I also respect my friend for he always offers different angles of viewing things, which is the basis of our friendship.
What will you do when exposed to various suggestions? To follow others’ opinion as frog A did or to keep your faith as frog B did?
Cheng Xingyi (known as Cindy) was born and brought up in central China. Cindy enjoys travelling and reading history books. Cindy is inspired by talking with local people when travelling abroad experiencing different parts of the world, as well as herself.
Cheng Xingyi's previous articles may be found at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/cindy-cheng.html