Re-think the Job Search and Be Re-inspired

Now that the roll has been called, the commencement address and pictures have taken place, I wonder how many graduates from seminary leave the sacred halls of our prestigious schools with a job? Better yet, how many graduates are actually ready to enter the job market to face the grim reality of the job search and the rejection it brings? I often wonder if the job search is really about job readiness or job relationships.

After completing over 21 hours of classes and writing at least 16 reflection papers, a final 10-15 page research paper and reading, well sometimes skimming through, at least 20 books per class, finding a job should be the least of your worries. Sometimes I wondered if the people we read about ever struggled with finding and maintaining a job. To be honest with you, thinking about Scripture, Sacraments and Ethics was their job. It was their purpose, call and commitment. But why does it have to be so complicated today?

One would think that once the time in school has come to an end, recruiters and employers would be knocking at your door, finding ways to connect with you via emails and meet and greets, or a slew of speaking engagements and book proposals would ensue. I learned swiftly that a degree did not provide as much opportunity as a conversation could.

Unfortunately, finding a job right away was not my truth. In fact, that was not many of my colleagues' reality either. It became apparent to me that after graduation the waiting game started. Now I have 2 questions that I would like to propose and a prayer for all of those seeking their next opportunity after graduation. Hopefully these questions will inspire us to re-think and maybe become re-inspired while seeking the next big opportunity.

My first question is: Why does job placement have to be so difficult especially when you are a person of faith, clergy or a recent seminary graduate? Often times, while attending school, students have the perfect job in mind. I know that I did. I would land a job working full time at a church and be paid what I was worth (whatever that means.) You know, somewhere between $50,00 -$60,000 a year because that is what people in other fields can demand with a Master’s degree. I learned that Master's degrees definitely lead to increased income, at least in the field of science, engineering and technology.[1] I’m not surprised at all. But I chose the nonprofit field and in most cases this area of expertise-- although it contributes to the livelihood of the entire society--is not a high paying industry.

Shouldn’t those who are responding to God’s call to serve in the spiritual care and well being of people be a worthy cause for earning decent wages? Have you checked the latest job search engines? There is an overwhelming number of open positions for tutors, teachers, program coordinators and administrative assistants, not ministry leaders.

So here is my second question: Are seminaries really preparing their students for the ministry workplace? Is it surprising that some graduates end up back in the marketplace? What should students expect who have completed their field studies at a church and then they aren’t offered a job?

Perhaps we (seminary graduates) have it all wrong. Maybe we are praying the wrong prayers and looking in the wrong places. Maybe seminaries should be set up to help students find jobs once they have graduated. I am curious about how many seminaries actually have job placement databases, resume building, mission starting and church administration classes. These are areas where we seem to lack preparation because a preaching and church history class may be helpful in knowing how and why things were done in a church or ministry, but it doesn’t provide the answers needed for interviews and job connections. Maybe we should take positions at universities that are looking for chaplains? But wait, if you haven’t completed CPE then you don’t qualify for that either. My mind is flooded with so many more questions, but I will end with this one.

How can we create our own jobs? Now that's thinking. We’ve all read about or heard about enough strategies for job placement to make us rich. Perhaps the thought is that you will create your job. Maybe you will start a ministry. But how can you start a ministry with all of its start up costs and demands without income? Sometimes you land a job at a church that would be ideal, but the majority of the work that you do is volunteerism. That seems like a waste of brain power sometimes, especially when you have student loans, phone bills, insurance and car notes to pay. When I read Isaiah’s text “They will soar on wings like eagles” it reminds me that soaring like an eagle is not for the squeamish, the immature, nor the faint-hearted. (Isa. 40:31) Eaglets learn to soar by building chest muscles and trainings from their mother Eagle. They have a keen vision, an ability to fly at high altitudes because they learn to glide with the atmosphere.

Here’s some advice for job seekers. Don’t let the “no” discourage you. That "no" is just an indication that a change of altitude is needed--a different opportunity. There is an awesome opportunity waiting for you right beyond the no. Parker Palmer wrote in his book Let Your Life Speak, "We must take the no of the way that closes and find the guidance it has to offer-and take the yes of the way that opens and respond with the yes of our lives.”[2] So be flexible with your job choice. You may not start with the ideal ministry job, nor the ideal salary, but this job could lead you to the exact place that God wants you to be.

Finally, I'd like to say a prayer for all of the recent graduates. Please pray this prayer with me.

“God of mercy and God of love, God who is infinite in wisdom and whose riches are unsearchable. Guide the paths of all graduates to green pastures that will secure them job opportunities and job placement. Thank you God for equipping them to serve in various fields of interests and specialties. Grant them favor on their applications to receive interviews, call backs and job opportunities. And most importantly, when they land jobs, bless them with courage, strength and competence to fill the need and complete the tasks.” In Jesus name, amen.

Notes:

[1] Jeff Kauflin SEP 22, 2017 @ 05:29 PMThe Little Black Book of Billionaire Secrets The Master's Degrees With The Highest Salary Potential 2017. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffkauflin/2017/09/22/the-masters-degrees-with-the-highest-salary-potential-2017/#2ab1cf46560b

[2] Let Your Life Speak. Parker J. Palmer