Today on MoneyLife

Chuck starts today's program with tips on what to avoid when looking for a job from a recent CareerBuilder.com article.:

• Employment gaps in the resume (if there is a gap in employment of three months or longer, explain in resume)
• Too many jobs on resume (explain why you made the changes you did)
• Don’t send out generic resumes and cover letters (customize it to the employer you’re sending it to)

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In the secod segment, Chuck welcomes Dan Miller to the program. Dan is President of the Business Source and the author of 48 Days to the Work You Love and No More Mondays.

Dan shares his background with listeners, explaining that he once saw ministry and work as two separate things. As he studied Scripture, however, he realized work was supposed to be fulfilling, meaningful, and profitable.

God created man to work; it was not meant to be a curse. Work should be part of fulfilling God’s calling for your life. Dan says we can discover our calling by looking inward and evaluating how God created us. Look at what work would integrate with your design.

Being discontented with your current job is a starting point for making a change. We should pay attention to this discontent. Pray and ask the Lord if He’s trying to get you to let go of your current job.

You can reduce risk in making a job change if you assess the opportunities in the marketplace for your gifts and skills and create a transition plan. Be ready to move into work that aligns with how you’ve been created. Dan shares example of people who have made such moves.

Dan says college graduates are encouraged to follow traditional paths. Life experience helps you understand what your true gifts are and opens up new job possibilities. Many people are most productive after age 45.

This explains what Dan describes as creative income, money derived from a side job or pursuit in addition to a traditional job. When creative income equals traditional income, a soft transition can be made.

Dan says there is a changeover occuring in the workforce from traditional 8 to 5 jobs to non-traditional or contract work. He explains that the timeline of 48 days allows time to evaluate where you are, get counsel, narrow options, choose the best one, create a plan, and take action.

If you're taking longer to do this process, you may be deciding to stay where you are. If so, stop complaining and work with excellence. We can experience a dramatic attitude change when we realize we're not trapped in our current job.

Chuck’s closing thoughts:

• Convergence – when all of your gifts, talents, experiences converge into what you know is God’s call for your life and your passion is unleashed
• First step is to get to know how God wired you
• Share your assessment with others and get their feedback/counsel
• Share with God what’s in your heart and ask Him to direct you
• Check out Crown's career assessment took, Career Direct.

Employment

More than 80 percent of Americans are discontent with their jobs – most have no consistent sense of fulfillment.
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• Read More

Choosing the Right Vocation

In choosing a vocation, Christians must weigh their priorities very carefully. When people are out of God’s priorities, they are out of His will.

• Read More

Making Career Decisions

Most Americans need to unlearn the errors and then learn the truth regarding career decisions.

• Read More

Biblical Perspective of Work

In making a budget, there are several steps, each requiring individual effort.

• Read More

Other Resources:

• ABCs of Money Package
• Career Direct
• God's Pinciples for Operating a Business
• Business By the Book
• Crown Mvelopes