Career First? Happiness Second?

Our modern society tells us women need to have a career, be a wife and mom, cook, clean, and look beautiful during it all. This "do it all" mentality is expected but is it realistic? Sure, we are able to handle a lot; but how much is too much? Each person must decide for themselves what they can handle, but trying to be everything to everybody is one of the quickest ways to burn out. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. When a person is overwhelmed with too many expectations and responsibilities, they are more likely to experience mental health issues. Some of the most common mental health issues associated with burnout are anxiety, and depression. Experiencing turmoil on a regular basis ensures that we will suffer not only psychologically but physically as well. Our physical bodies are connected to our brains so when we begin to neglect our spiritual and emotional health, we often will see physical illnesses begin to plague our bodies. So how do we stop this chaos? We talk to God and determine what he has called us to do. God sent us the Holy Spirit to guide us into truth. His way is better than our way, and we will know when we are on the right track by listening to the Holy Spirit.

Personal testimony: I was working a full-time job, while pregnant and raising a one-year-old little boy. I was trying to be the best wife, best homemaker, best employee, and best mother. Oh, and don't forget, the best Christian. I felt like I was failing... failing at everything. I just couldn't do everything, and so I began asking God what He valued and wanted from me as His child. His answer? God's design and desire for women is that they put Him first, their husband second, their children third, and then their career. He has created this hierarchy for a reason, and that reason is to protect you and your family. So, what did I do? After a lot of praying, and an assured answer from above, I put in my resignation from my job. In doing so, I put God first, and my family second ABOVE my career. God promised me that He would take care of me, because this is what He wanted me to do. God has a "way" He wants things done if we will ask Him. He has a plan for our lives. If you are unable to manage your health, your marriage, or your household because you are a slave to a career, now is the time to make a change. Pray and ask God what to do and then do whatever it is He tells you to do.

Corresponding Bible Verses:

Luke 11:9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Titus 2:4-5 "In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children, live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God."

Exodus 15:26 “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”