Natalie Rowe is a woman who wears many hats. She is a mother, financial coach, author, and friend. Next to her passion of following Jesus Christ, Natalie is a woman who loves to walk with people as they discover their own callings and purpose, seeing them pursue what they were made to do. We interviewed Natalie on “Let’s Talk Money with Dave and Reb” today, mining her expertise and passion in the area of career transition, and also highlighting parts of her book S.E.T. Proceed and Succeed in Your Career. We thought it would be a pertinent discussion in light of the current employment and economic uncertainty arising due to the global pandemic.
Here are some of her thoughts.
1. Why did you choose the Parable of the Talents as your focused Scripture in your book S.E.T. Proceed and Succeed in Your Career?
The passage was important in writing the book for two reasons:
a. It was inspired by a career address I delivered that was based on the Parable of the Talents, from which the idea for the book emerged. Interestingly, I started writing the book without referencing the passage but I had the feeling I was shortchanging the reader. So, it was important to point readers to the very source of the content of the book (The Word of God), akin to not only giving a fish but pointing to where one may fish.
b. Anchoring the career advice in the Word of God identifies the basis for confidence in pursuing one’s career (especially for believers), knowing that God’s Word is sure.
2. How would you encourage people in this Covid-19 pandemic environment as they consider job transition?
Remember that the needs of people do not go away (and in this is confidence). What is changing is how needs are being met. So plug into what is happening around you – how is work changing to meet the needs of society in your current or desired area of work? For example, more work has transitioned online, and there is a rise in demand for delivery services. So take note of the jobs that are emerging in your area of interests and qualifications.
3. What are some practical steps people can take as they look to a change in careers?
It is important to distinguish between changing jobs versus changing a career. One can change jobs within the same field. Or one may choose to change career from trucking to Information Technology. Either way, the approach is the same: examine what you are good at and interested in doing; research jobs in demand in your area of interest, as well as the required qualifications; assess when income from the new job will start, and determine how you can finance yourself during the transition or whether you can keep your current job while working towards your new job; most importantly, examine the pros and cons of the new job or career to ensure they satisfy your reasons for wanting a job change. Take the time to do your homework – an honest conversation with people who are working in your desired field can go a far way to avoid disappointments with job change.
4. Is a change in career in these circumstances a hard thing to consider?
It depends. If the current career is unstable, then the incentives to transition will be strong. However, if there is relative stability in your current career, then, a decision for change could be harder to take in these uncertain times. That said, whatever the current circumstances, the steps are the same: know your reasons for wanting to change, as this will help you focus your choices and increase your chances of choosing the right job. For some, now may be a good time to move towards that change. For example, working from home will free up time, otherwise used for commuting, to pursue online learning or job-search. Also, with more services going online, virtual work offerings have increased and physical location is less of a barrier. Overall, a decision for change is a combination of a person’s mindset, risk tolerances, and their current realities. Some may view uncertainty as a time to explore, while others may view it as a time to lay low. Either way, the decision should be well thought through.
5. In your book you speak of the importance of guarding your mind from discouragement and guiding your decisions towards fulfilling your purpose. How do you do this in a time when the world is reeling?
Anchor your thoughts in simple truths, and let them be the axis around which you navigate change. Needs give rise to work and needs never go into recession. What changes is how needs are met. So when one type of work disappears, you are guaranteed that another type of work is emerging (like a see-saw), so watch what is emerging. Also, you have the ability to meet needs, so you can always find ways to work. Worry happens when we feed our minds on negative outcomes, so rather than worry, choose instead to feed your mind on useful information to inform productive decisions.
6. Taking risks
In your book you wrote:
“You are here on earth to partner with God – note that partnering with God was the reward to the servants who took the risk of increasing their seed money…Our assignment on planet earth is to partner with God in the pursuit of making earth like heaven. This quest requires the participation of every human being. By extension, this means that each person has an assignment, and in effect, each person has a career to pursue.”(Rowe, 10)
I (Rebecca)came up with this acronym after reading your quote. Why is it important to consider risk-taking as part of the journey?
Risking time, money, talent, and reaping rewards
Investing in eternal things through career transition
Submitting to the process of this transition
Keeping and staying focused
I like this acronym!
We take risks daily – getting out of bed; jumping in our cars; eating out, etc. Daily living involves risks but we take them anyway because we believe they are worth the goals we are pursuing. Similarly, we each have to ask the question of whether our career progression is worth taking the risks to do our part in advancing the Kingdom of God on earth. In the end, we will regret more the things we did NOT do, than the mistakes we made along the way.
To book an appointment with Natalie Rowe to discuss career transition email info@morethanenough.ca, or call 613-520-4157.