Please select a question from the list below to see the answer.

• Why did this (job loss) happen to me? What did I do wrong? Am I being punished by God?

When I experienced a job loss, one of my natural tendencies was to try to understand why this happened to me. I started to blame myself for losing my position and to think that I was being punished by God for some past sin in my life. But after agonizing over what happened it still didn’t make sense. Then I came to the realization that sometimes in life bad things happen to good people, and seemingly for no good reason from a human perspective.

After much prayer I started to see things from God’s perspective. I realized that God the Father loves me and was not necessarily punishing me for something I did, or didn’t do. Sometimes the Father allows things to happen to His people, not to punish them, but to help them grow and mature. The Bible tells us that everything happens for a reason (Eccl. 3:1-8).

As I look back at the significant events in my life I realize that it was when I experienced the most challenging and painful times that I learned something about myself, something resulted in me growing stronger mentally, physically, and/or spiritually.

So, as you experience this challenging period of time in your life realize this: 1) God the Father loves you and has a plan for you (Jer. 29:11); 2) This time will eventually pass and you will come out of this experience a better person; 3) Instead of asking “Why me?”, focus on what you can gain from the experience (What is God’s plan for me?).

• Where is God during my job search? Doesn’t he care about me and my family?

God is always with you and He will never abandon you. He loves you more that you will ever know and He does have a plan for your well being. Jeremiah 29:11- 14: “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the Lord.”

• How do I deal with my feelings of anger toward God?

Anger is normal – in fact, it’s impossible to avoid anger – it’s part of life – it happens. Think about it - who do you turn to when you’re down or angry? Probably the person that means the most to you – because you know they will continue to love you even through you “dump on them.” It’s okay to be angry with God – His shoulders are big enough to take it. God is always there for us. Even Jesus himself got angry with His Father. Remember when He drove the money changers out of temple? He also was impatient with his disciples when they didn’t understand what He was trying to tell them

The key is not avoiding anger – but to get it out and start a dialogue with God Anger can keep you from getting on with the business at hand, which is to find the job that God has planned for you. Allow your angry feelings to surface so they’ll be less likely to get in the way when you’re looking for a job or making a networking call. When you’re angry, where is your focus – on the future and God’s peace or in the past?

Don’t feed your anger – try to get rid of it as soon as possible. “Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander and malice of every kind. – Ephesians 4:31 If you concentrate on God and His goodness, you will find peace.

• Should I lie on my resume or during an interview in order to get hired? It seems like others do to get ahead.

The short answer is NO! This is more a question about your character.

Yes, it does seem that many people are less than honest about their qualifications as presented on a resume or application, or during the interview process. And, at least initially, it seems those individuals get away with the deception, for a while. But eventually, for the most part, being dishonest comes back to bite them.

When faced with the opportunity to lie on your resume or application or during an interview, you must ask yourself if it is worth it? Even if you get away with the lie and even benefit from it, it is worth it? It’s a matter of character. Character, who you are deep down inside, is revealed through the a ctions you take when you think no one else is looking, or when you think you can get away with it.

The Bible tells us that lying is a sin. Even if know one else catches you in the lie, keep in mind that you know and more importantly God knows. Are you ready, willing, and able to live with yourself and the consequences of your choice? (see Romans 6:23)

• Why am I being rejected so much? What’s wrong with me?

There is nothing wrong with you! Two thoughts come to my mind as I read this question, 1) Reach out to job search groups like CEN. You will receive the advice and direction that you need to assure that your job search is being conducted to the proven path of success. 2) Get Your Priorities Right!

The Bible tells us in many different ways that if we make seeking God’s Kingdom ahead of everything else then all our other wants will be provided. In all my years of providing job search assistance, this is the area where people are lacking the most. Please read Matthew 6:25-34. Part of that reads as follows: “All these things you seek, your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But first seek the Kingdom of God and all His righteousness, and all these things will be given you.” In other words, Get Your Priorities Right and you will not believe the difference it will make in your job search!

• Why doesn’t God answer my prayers?

Sometimes as we pray we don’t really believe that God will answer our prayers. And sometimes we don’t ask for the right things. Jesus taught us to pray in His name and this means asking for the kind of things that Jesus would like us to do and then trying to find out what He wants.

Don’t approach prayer like a one-way telephone conversation – forgetting that God also wants to speak to us. We can be confident of God’s response to our prayer when we submit first to his will. Sometimes we will find that God answers our prayer by not giving us what we ask for but something far better.

Think about the many occurrences in your life when you prayed about a decision but the direction it took surprised you – but as you look back on it, it was the right path to take. So when you think God isn’t answering your prayers, He may be doing something through you that is the beginning of a major change. If He is making a change, He will give you further direction. “Always keep praying, no matter what happens and always be thankful for this is God’s will for you who belong to Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

• How can I forgive those individuals who I blame for losing my job?

As a Christian, we are required to forgive. When we say the Lord’s prayer part of what we pray is: “And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Matthew 6:12)

This, of course, does not make it any easier for us to forgive those who we feel have wronged us. But we must, for our own sake. The process of forgiving is part of the healing process that allows us to eventually let go and move on with our lives. God the Father knows this as well and that’s why He commands us to forgive. And He knows it is not always easy to forgive and move on. He wants to help us with the process of forgiving. So pray to the Father for help and He will send the Holy Spirit to assist us.

• Why do I feel so isolated during my job search?

You are not alone and definitely not isolated. God is always with you. No one chooses isolation and suffering. There will always be times of crises during our life and these tribulations have a way of bringing us together with our God and with each other. We remember that we do need one another and that, above all, we need God. Turn to your God for your needs and turn to those in this world who extend a hand to help. Please contact a CEN representative to learn how to receive help with your job search.

• How do I deal with a major career transition? How can God help me?

The first thing to do is to take a step back and spend a little time assessing where you’re at, who you are, what direction you think you want to go. Connect with a faith-based mentor, hook up with one of the CEN groups who meet regularly – they can give you some direction as well as sharing and networking with others. The worst thing to do is to try to do it alone – you don’t have to. Seek out others who have been through this process and talk with God.

When a career transition such as losing a job or searching for a better one knocks you out of focus and threatens your peace of mind – nothing helps like spending some quiet time in prayer with God. We don’t know what God wants of us – He sees our tomorrows – and we won’t know the direction we are supposed to go unless we clear our minds and listen to what He is telling us.

God can help – He knows what you need and if you have absolute trust in Jesus – no faltering – no wavering – you will never have to worry again. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs: 16:3

• How to deal with fear during the job search?

Another word for “fear’ of job search is “worry” of job search. I do not think we fear a job search but we worry about the prospect of not finding a job. So we worry about a job search rather than fear. What is the opposite of worry? The opposite of worry is trust. Trust in your GOD during your job search and turn your worries over to GOD and allow him to carry that burden for you.

Take the time during your unemployment to get closer to your GOD. How do you go about getting closer to your God? I can only tell you what I did and it worked for me, as follows:

• Attend daily mass
• Read the Bible.
• Daily prayer.
• Join small faith groups.

When things get tough in life, the first thing we should do is run to God and His word. There is absolutely nothing more important than what God says and we need to especially know that in times of trouble. We need to prepare ourselves to receive Gods word and know what he is telling us.

• How do I keep a healthy attitude during the job search?

How do I keep a healthy attitude during the job search?

The job search is a difficult and mysterious process. So much of what occurs during a job search is out of our control. But, there are things we do have control over. The most important of these is our attitude (i.e. how we respond to what life throws our way). But how do we maintain a healthy, positive attitude during such a challenging time in our life? Here are some suggestions:

• Pray, pray, pray. And regularly attend mass or service. In other words connect with God, and stay connected to Him.
• Hang out with positive people, people with healthy attitudes. Also, minimize the amount of time you spend with people who have a bad attitude.
• Read books, magazines, etc. that are constructive and uplifting.
• Listen to music that offers a positive message. Minimize the amount of exposure to negative messages from the media (TV, radio, internet), publications, and music.
• Exercise, eat healthy, and get proper rest
• How do I ask for help during the job search?