Let's be honest. Job hunting can be a whole spiritual journey. One minute, you're praying for any job, and the next, you're wondering, "Lord, did you really lead me to this, or is this just a test of endurance?"
Suppose you're entering the workforce for the first time or making a fresh start. In that case, it's helpful to have some non-negotiables, like things you won't compromise on, no matter how desperate you feel (or how much Auntie Patricia tells you to "just take anything.").
Before signing that contract, here are the Top 5 Non-Negotiables to consider—because accepting the wrong job can feel like volunteering for the Israelites' 40-year wilderness tour.
1. Work Culture That Doesn't Make You Lose Your Faith in Humanity
Q: "What if the work culture is… questionable? Do I tough it out?"
A: If "questionable" means toxic, unethical, or feels like a modern-day Nineveh, then Sis, run.
You don't need to compromise your peace for a paycheck. Ask about work-life balance, employee respect, and how the company treats people—not just what it says on its website. Don't forget to ask about how flexible their working hours are!
Do they support you in maintaining a healthy personal life outside of work? Don't just take the company's word for it; see if you can find genuine examples of how they respect their employees and create a friendly, positive work environment!
You want to find a place that values you beyond just what you can produce!
Key Takeaway: God provides—even outside of stressful work environments!
2. A Salary That Respects Your Bills (and Your Taste in Coffee)
Q: "The pay is low, but I need the experience. Should I take it?"
A: If they pay you in pennies and prayers, it's a no.
Entry-level jobs don't pay six figures, but they should at least cover your survival, like rent, food, and your non-negotiable oat milk latte. 😄 If the salary won't sustain you, ask about growth opportunities and stipends, or (respectfully) keep searching.
You deserve to feel secure in your financial situation! And if their answer isn't quite what you hoped for, that's totally okay. Keep your options open and continue searching for a position that feels right for you. Remember, it's all about finding a job that pays the bills and sets you up for future success.
Key Takeaway: God will provide without you settling for crumbs.
3. A Boss Who Doesn't Think They're Pharoah
Q: "What if my potential boss seems… 'interesting'?"
A: Define "interesting." If they remind you of Pharoah, forcing people to make bricks without straw, keep it moving.
A good boss invests in their team, provides clear direction, and doesn't make you feel you need therapy by Week Two.
A great boss truly understands the importance of investing in their team. They don't just hand out tasks; they provide clear guidance and set achievable goals that everyone can rally behind. Instead of creating a stressful atmosphere that overwhelms you, they foster a supportive environment where you can thrive and feel valued.
Take the time to observe how they interact with their employees.
Do they listen?
Do they offer constructive feedback?
Are they approachable and open to new ideas?
These details reveal a lot about their leadership style and the workplace culture they cultivate. Trust me, your future self will appreciate being in a positive, motivating environment where you can grow and succeed. It's all about finding a boss who lifts you up rather than bringing you down!
Key Takeaway: Your peace is non-negotiable!
4. A Job That Aligns with Your Long-Term Goals (Even If It's Just a Step in the Journey)
Q: "It's not my dream job, but should I take it for now?"
A: Not every job will be your calling, but it should at least move you toward it.
When looking for a job opportunity, it's super important to consider how it fits into your life. Ask yourself:
Does it help you build skills that you really want?
Does it connect you with people who can lift you up and support your journey?
Does it provide a financial boost that allows you to live comfortably and pursue your passions?
If the answer is yes, then this job could be an excellent fit for you!
If the job helps build skills, connections, or financial stability that support your God-given purpose, it's worth considering. But if it's leading you away from everything you love, red flag alert!
It's all about balance, right? You don't want to end up in a role that drains your energy or leads you away from what makes you happy.
Key Takeaway: You want a job that enriches your life, not one that takes you away from it!
5. Peace. If You Have to Pray for Strength to Make It Through the Interview, That's a Sign.
Q: "How do I know this job is right for me?"
A: Peace. Not just excitement, not just desperation, but peace.
God isn't about confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). So, if you feel a loud and clear "no" deep inside you, pay attention to that. That gut feeling you have? The Holy Spirit may be saying, "Uh, no." Trust that instinct! It can help steer you from trouble and keep you on the right path.
Key Takeaway: Pray, listen, and trust the Holy Spirit. God's will will not cause you to lose sleep or your sanity.
Final Word: Jobs Are Temporary, but Your Peace is Permanent
Finding the right entry-level job is about more than just the paycheck. It's about protecting your mental health, spiritual walk, and future goals. Don't settle for stress when God has better. And hey, whether you land the job of your dreams or just the job that pays the bills for now, remember: you bring the light wherever you go (Matthew 5:16).
Now, go get that job!
Ready to step into your next job with faith and confidence? Shop Be Inspired For Real for faith-filled reminders that God's got you! 👉🏽 Shop Now! 👈🏽
Janette Owens is the founder of Be Inspired For Real and owner of Be Inspired For Real LLC. She loves everything inspirational and has spent most of her life inspiring and motivating others through humor, prose, exhortation, and God's grace. Janette is the author of A Swan Song, an intimate collection of poems and short stories. Janette lives just outside of Memphis, Tennessee.
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