When the Dream Job Isn't the Point

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” A question I feel everyone has been asked before at some point. From my experience being on both sides of that question, when you ask a toddler, they often have an answer that makes you think, “Man, that would be cool if possible.” As we get older, for some, that answer becomes drastically more realistic and concrete. But not all of us are as lucky. 

I was fortunate to grow up with parents who heavily encouraged my siblings and me to find the profession that made us truly happy, regardless of the paycheck, despite my father being the 4th generation owner of the family business. It was extremely overwhelming thinking about all the potential options, but I told myself I’d find something important to do, which was always a requirement for me. As time went on, I got anxious and wasted so much energy stressing about doing the most meaningful and impactful job I could. However, something has shifted in the past few months.

We’ve read and discussed in great detail Tim Keller’s book, Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work. Tim talks about how Christians easily get hung up on thinking too low of themselves because of their occupation not being “important” because they do not make an impact like a CEO, doctor, or politician does. Tim explains how God wishes for us to seek Him, be honest in what we do, live like Jesus while we do it, and work very hard regardless of our job titles. 

This revelation really changed my attitude toward worrying about what career path I choose. I used to carry the burden of worry around with me everywhere. But since then, I’ve come to accept the fact that God has a plan for me, and only he knows it in its entirety. I know that so long as I work hard in what I do while professing the name of Jesus, my life’s work will be impactful, meaningful, and important to him. And to everyone who can relate to my experience, I encourage you to please seek the word of God for guidance. There’s a good chance you might be surprised at what He reveals. 

-Written by Jack Henne, Pittsburgh Fellows Class of 2026

Jack graduated from Grove City College and works at Corkboard Concepts as a Fellow.