True confession: I do believe there is such a thing as a dumb question. “Have you googled it?” is my default comeback to anyone asking me something that seems obvious. Google it. Pull up your device of choice and ask away. When it comes to job search and career transition, Google wants you to google it. In this short clip, the answers to your work questions are all found through the search window. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzHYX1CmO6A When you’re choosing a career, changing... Read more

There’s always angst about career choice floating in the ether. Over half of us workers would change jobs if we could and 50% of Millennials think they chose the wrong career. So how do you know if it is time to go? Short answer: 1) Understand your moment and 2) respond accordingly. When we survey biblical characters, we see that most of them wrestled with dilemmas related to vocational direction. Consider their stories below, identify your moment, and act accordingly.... Read more

Have you ever sat down on the edge of a bench, only to realize that the seat wasn’t fastened? Without a counterweight, it quickly turns into a seesaw and you are suddenly sitting on the ground. What appeared to be a stable place to rest was more of a trap. Many of us viewed early COVID as a teeter-totter and have been assuming that as we progress towards reopening, things will stabilize. But recent months have shown us it’s too... Read more

Editor’s Note: Dr. Chip Roper, Founder and President of the VOCA Center, was featured as a guest writer for the Nashville Institute for Faith and Work. This piece was originally published at nifw.org. What images and feelings come to mind when you hear the word “networking?” Images: I picture an awkward gathering of awkward people fumbling over their paper plates, plastic cups, and elevator pitches as they try desperately to make a connection that will lead to a sale. Feelings:... Read more

Editor’s Note: This is the fourth and final article of a series about “What’s at Stake When Looking for Work?” We know job searching is hard and it is important you are equipped well because there is a lot at stake. If you are looking for a job or need career clarity, check out the Career Navigator, career coaching program offered in individual or group settings. For the last post in our series on “What’s at Stake in our Job... Read more

Editor’s Note: This is the third article of a series about “What’s at Stake When Looking for Work?” We know job searching is hard and it is important you are equipped well because there is a lot at stake. If you are looking for a job or need career clarity, check out the Career Navigator, a career coaching program offered in individual or group settings. Where you choose to work has a massive influence over your life. It shapes your... Read more

In the world before COVID, Chip’s office was in the center of midtown Manhattan overlooking Bryant Park.  Every morning he’d walk across the serene park from the subway. But the park felt more like a carnival during his evening walk back to the subway. There were musicians playing in various corners, yoga classes, and hula hoop cohorts. And most days the jugglers were there. The leader was obvious, dressed a bit like a toned down circus clown. He was teaching... Read more

Editor’s Note: This is the second article of a series about “What’s at Stake When Looking for Work?” We know job searching is hard and it is important you are equipped well because there is a lot at stake. If you are looking for a job or need career clarity, check out the Career Navigator, career coaching program offered in individual or group settings. Career-related formation starts early. Since the time we were small children we have been asked  “What do... Read more

A major bank here in New York City recently announced that vaccinated employees are permitted to return to the office.  They also expect everyone to be back in September. And the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission just announced that employers can require in-person employees to be vaccinated. I walked into one of my favorite New York City watering holes last week to see a sign on the door: “Everyone working here has been vaccinated.”  Customers still wore masks walking in and... Read more

I walked through an empty cube farm to Barry’s office. There was space for over 50 in the room, but I only counted five. Barry is the CEO. He and his senior leadership team had been coming in for months. None of his mid-level team members want to come back to the office (and their productivity is solid). His junior team members are quitting because they want in person culture. Welcome to the ambiguity of reopening. Welcome to the questions... Read more