FAITH & WORK

Transitions and the Workplace
by AMELIA VIJAYAMALA

Orville G Brim, the director of one of the most extensive studies on midlife funded by the John MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Successful Midlife Development, defines midlife as the years from as early as 30 until 70, with 40 to 60 being its core. Midlife is often associated with life transition amid changes, giving rise to crises. Furthermore, researchers mostly define midlife crisis as one's experience of personal challenges and turmoil brought on by anxieties related to one's advancing age and corresponding declining abilities. Added to that is the realization that half of one's life is gone and there are still dreams or goals yet to be achieved.

Interestingly, Cornell University sociologist and associate professor of human development Elaine Wethington concluded from the above study that the midlife crises cited by many midlifers involved in the survey were actually stressful life events or challenging situations that were not confined to midlife alone and would have called for definitive life changes at any other age. A job loss, career shift, relocation, a growing family, marriage turbulence, serious illness, family additions or losses - any of these events have taken place during young adult life ranging from 21 to 35 years as much as during midlife.

Experts have pointed out that while young adults may seem more resilient to changes, they usually have to cope with the anxiety and uncertainty of finding their niche in the corporate world and place in the community. Midlifers however may find themselves locked in a routine of family life and career, and respond to changes with more careful consideration and with the advantage of a wider range of experience and more skills sets acquired over time. Life changes and adjustments are common and are essential and inevitable elements of our growth and development. However, if not managed properly, changes can become crises.

Questions such as "Where am I headed in my life's journey?" or "Who am I really?" or "What is my true purpose on earth?" may arise among midlifers as they re-evaluate their direction in life, their values and convictions and the dreams that had consumed their energy and time. But these are valid questions to ask at any age as they help shape one's convictions and values, causing one to pursue wisdom for a life of meaning and purpose. Such wisdom can only come from God who has set life before us. He has given us His Word "…for attaining wisdom and discipline… for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair..." (Proverbs 1:2-3)

So how should Christians, particularly those in the marketplace, prepare for their middle years so that they can steer clear of crises? How should one already facing midlife challenges manage them better, turning them into opportunities to build further into their own lives and the lives of others?

1. Build enriching and meaningful relationships
We are created for relationships, each of us having the need to relate to God and to one another. It is important that we do not allow tight deadlines and overloaded schedules to stifle relationships and rob us of quality time with God, family and self. Sadly, the danger is that some people strive for success at the expense of family, friends and personal needs until the initial sense of fulfillment gives way to the emptiness of failed relationships.

Be committed to building strong, healthy foundations within the family, nurturing an environment where challenges are shared and the necessary support and understanding are available. Commitment, integrity and hard work in the marriage partnership and a close family founded on godly principles will help toward working together through any change or transition.

It is also important to develop and deepen healthy and edifying relationships with other friends or colleagues at work with no other motive but to care for others. In making their lives more meaningful, we will find ours enriched too. Some experts say that most people by midlife have many acquaintances but very few friends. Nevertheless, it is never too late to learn to be a good friend.

2. Re-evaluate and rethink values and direction
Knowing that half of one's life is gone and yet one's potential has not been fully tapped nor personal dreams realized may lead a midlifer to desperately grab the last chance to change life's direction. Sadly, some make decisions without giving careful thought to re-evaluating their goals and life's purpose, their values or perhaps even revising spiritual foundations.

Some questions that might help in re-evaluation:
What are my strengths and God-given talents?
Am I using them in my work and does my work allow me to influence others and improve their lives?
What kind of legacy will I leave behind?
Am I actually living the life that God has purposed for me?

Consider using your God-given gifts and abilities to invest in other people's lives rather than just working for money and position. God's Word says: "…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness... the Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail" (Isaiah 58:10-11).

3. Walk intimately with God and know His purpose for our success
Some people weld their identity to their career, allowing their self-worth and image to be molded by what they do and how others see them. But no matter how stimulating and rewarding a career is, true fulfillment can only come through intimacy and fellowship with God and allowing Him to use us to touch other people's lives.

If we are convinced He has strategically positioned us in the marketplace to be salt and light, then our pursuit of success takes on a totally different perspective. A desire to succeed in order to make God known as the source of our excellence paves the way for our success and personal fulfillment. God takes what we have learnt from Him in the marketplace and expands our potential for His purposes so that " the righteous will flourish like a palm tree… they will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; He is my Rock…" ( Psalm 92:12-15)


Amelia Vijayamala is a staff member of MCCC and serving with the Impact! Ministry which focuses on the marketplace. Prior to joining MCCC, she was Senior Human Resources Manager in an established computer systems company.