There was a season in the eighties when those in career guidance advised fitting and turning, boiler-making and marketing ahead of other careers. It was said these trades were paying highly.
Erasmus Makarimayi
There was a preponderant uptake of the said courses by those in high school in that era to the effect that many dropped such subjects as Literature in English and History to concentrate in Mathematics and Science.
Vacancies sections of newspapers were awash with placements for those who had taken up these courses.
The effect was that some sacrificed subjects they were naturally good at, forwent careers they had passion for, while in worst cases others had to repeat and take up the subjects they had earlier dropped in pursuit of professions they were not called for.
Choosing a career is sometimes very difficult if the guiding principle is industry salary irrespective of aptitude.
There are professions that are naturally esteemed to be more honourable and rewarding such as doctors, lawyers, pilots and engineers. Not many will easily choose arming, teaching and long distance running.
However, we are all gifted differently and God meant that you get livelihood from that. Functioning in your area of passion and gifting propels you to work hard and enjoy.
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The material and financial gain from your occupation is good, but hinders you from improving yourself. It is the calling, talent and passion that will give you the cutting edge.
If you are following your gift, you can with much ease invest in further study and research. If you are out of place, all you want is your salary.
I have referenced before the story of a maid who was so good at cooking.
This maid was hard working, faithful and committed to her job and was convinced that cooking was her calling. She would ask around and try different dishes and would work extra hours to perfect her skill.
Her loving and considerate employers were to send her for evening classes to give her opportunity to learn more.
At family functions, everyone would inquire about her exceptional cooking. She ended up being called by neighbours and friends at their functions.
The story is long, but she was eventually spotted by some international hotel and she now travels around the world preparing dishes for upmarket clients.
To put it in perspective, the last time I checked when she was around town, her simple plate of sadza, stew and vegetables was a cool $100. Imagine if she had wasted time on fitting and turning, law or medicine.
The Bible teaches that even if you are a servant or slave, do whatever you are called to do with commitment and hard work. God will notice you and send someone to take you to greater heights.
Colossians 3:17 and 23 says, “[17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. [23] And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
People may not reward you well, but there is your account kept in heaven and that account keeper will not underpay you.
Go to work early and knockoff after normal hours. Do a polished job. Don’t steal pens and bond paper. It is unfortunate that nowadays people make their own pay at their place of work.
They steal, receive bribes and engage in so many other corrupt activities. The private sector, civil servants and senior government officials are not spared. Regrettably, ministers of the Word of God are also caught up in the fray.
Diligently pursue your calling and wait for promotion from above. If you are staff at the refuse collection department, do it unto God.
As a public school teacher, teach well with or without parents’ incentives. Turn down bribes if you are in the police service. Ministers of the Word, live above reproach.
As a people, let us be answerable to God. Let God trust you and He will place you to a position of greater responsibility. Don’t despise your profession and don’t tarnish its image. Pursue your dream with commitment and passion.
Let no one demean you. Ignore their negative comments. The same people will come and borrow from you once you pass the test. Follow your passion with commitment and discipline, it will pay off. You are going somewhere.
