Looking for a little advice

[redBoobergurl]

Hello everyone. I've been posting here now for about 3 months and have really begun to feel like part of a family. Because I feel that way about you all, I thought I'd post about a dilemma I'm having in my personal life and ask if anyone has any advice on what I could do. I promise I'll try to keep this short.

I'm a youth minister in a Catholic church. I've been working there for just a little under a year, started fresh out of college. It is NOT what I went to school for, but was something available at the time I was looking for work. And, I hate it. I know it sounds harsh, but it is not something I enjoy. I like kids all right, but I'm not real good with teenagers. I'm better with little kids and my job doesn't involve little kids. Anyway, a position has opened up at the college I graduated from that is very interesting to me and I would really like to persue it. Now I'm sure you are all thinking, what's the problem, just apply for the job, right? Well here's the thing. I work at MY HOME church. I've been at this church since I was born and I love the church. I don't want to leave my church, just the job. The other problem is that pretty much everyone is oblivious to the fact that I've been so unhappy about it, so it will come as a shock. So, my question is, is it better to keep living a lie so as to not hurt everyone in the process, but compromise my own happiness, or is it time to move on? The other challenge of course, is the timing. I'm right in the middle of several big programs and it gets worse in the summer, so I'd really be leaving them hanging.

Anyway, you are all a wonderful group of people who support each other and I just was wondering if anyone has any words of wisdom to help me as I'm in a state of total confusion right now. Thanks in advance and thanks for reading if nothing else. It feels better just getting it off my chest.

 

[christyb]

My first bit of advice is: Pray about it! Find out what God's will for you is. I can guarntee that if you figure that out then you'll be happy. Secondly, It ain't worth doin' if you're not happy.

 

[ceecee]

I say apply for that job. Yes, you may be letting some people down, but they should understand. It may take awhile, but they will. I'm sure you would still be welcome at your church, no matter what.

I know what it's like to hate a job. I'm going through the same thing right now. I've applied several places, and no luck so far. So I just go into work every day, dreading everything about it.

Besides, it's not certain that you'd get that other job, but it couldn't hurt to try.

good luck!

 

[Vic Romano]

Keep in mind that attitude reflects leadership, so if you're not happy, the kids will pick up on that and then you're hurting them too. A fellowship of believers is a powerful thing, and your church family should understand and support that. God doesn't always give us easy decisions to make, but He will always help us with them.

 

[sugarbritchez]

First Pray about it.........everything happens for a reason...and this job opening may be what you need.

I took a risk and applied for a job that I am more than qualified for yesterday although I know that I won't get the job because my boss doesn't like me (I'm not a thin, pretty, blonde haired, big boobed girl) It is in our same department and I am up against a girl that he does like. Anyway, the fact is that I know an opportunity like this doesn't come around often so I went for it and I put it all in God's hands. If I get it...it was meant to be....If not, then I'll just rip every blonde hair out of that other girls head....LOL J/K!

God knows best........have faith!

Good Luck!

 

[Docnzhoss]

I actually prefer teenage kids over little ones...they can govern themselves better. However, your predicament is not all that tough...leave the job you dislike and look for something better. You are not living your life to please others...that is a lost cause. Live your life for yourself and do what you think you will enjoy. Your church can not blame you for pursuing your interests. They will find someone, though most likely not as qualified and established in the church as you, I'm sure.

 

[redBoobergurl]

Thank you so much everyone, you have no idea how helpful your kind words are to me! I still haven't totally made a decision, but I'm definately beginning to feel better! Ceecee, I hope your job situation gets better as well, the right thing will come along eventually! Sugarbritchez I hope you get the job you applied for too!
Thanks again everyone, I'm so happy to be a part of the Muppet Central Family!

 

[Vic Romano]

It is a great place, isn't it? Everybody sing!
"We are Family! All my brothers, sisters and Me! We are fam..il..ee..."
Okay... I'll stop singing.

 

[Ziffel]

Yes I would agree with everyone here that the best thing you can do is pray about this and to pursue what's really in your heart. Since you have really loved this church all your life, I'm sure there are a lot of wonderful people there and that they would be very understanding and supportive of you should you decide to quit this youth minister position. Everyone has different gifts and they can certainly find someone else whose gift is more geared toward working with teenagers. And if you take this or any other job outside your church, you can still offer helpful service to your church in many other ways, perhaps even involving little children which you mentioned is more of an appeal to you.
As you prayerfully consider your options, be assured and comforted that it will all work out well according to His plans for you. He promises in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord, ' plans for well-being and not for trouble, to give you a future and a hope."

 

[Beauregard]

Ouch, trickey questian. I must agree with my brothers and sisters by saying, first off, pray about it (and I bet you have, lots) seek God's will. Now he dosn't always come right out with His plans in an obvious way, so I'd add also use common sence.

I also think (my thoughts, not necesserily God's) that it's wrong to yourself and others to live a lie. If you're sure that's what God wants, and decide to stick with it. That isn't a lie, that's a sacrifice.

Seek God's will, and once you get an inkling, go for it.