How’s Your Sense of Self-Worth?

At a recent networking event I co-hosted I became keenly aware of how tough the economy is all around us. I spoke with well educated and high quality people who continue to struggle to find employment. As I spoke with many of the attendees I felt empathy towards them as I’m also a husband, father and a provider for my family.

One of the toughest things to wrestle with in all of this economic turmoil is remembering this key point – try not to get caught up in the mental struggle of evaluating our self-worth by what we do as our livelihood.

Stop for a second and think about that last sentence.

We all do this. There is a pride, a sense of accomplishment, or lack thereof based largely upon how we “think” society valuates us based on our careers. And this pride works both ways whether we’re in some position of authority or a highly visible public figure or a high-income career.

My purpose with this post is to encourage those who may be discouraged or who are endlessly looking for employment to keep their spirits up. Who you are as a person is tremendously valuable whether you’re gainfully employed at this moment or not.

A favorite scripture of mine on this subject is, “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” (http://bit.ly/aLCvoE) This is true no matter what we might have as a career.

Work itself is purposeful and invigorating, exciting at times and in some cases we feel that we can shape the world around us. I feel many of these feelings with my current career, but still, what gives me the most sense of purpose, of peace and of meaning? Re-read the last sentence from the first paragraph.