Career Considerations

Over the next 30 years or so, what sort of people stand the greatest chances of
succeeding professionally and personally? What traits will they have?

Seeing “success” in broader personal terms, not just financially. That is, seeing
“success” as (a) being able to support one's, family comfortably, (b) maintaining a
clear conscience and strong character, and (c) retaining the love and respect of
family and friends.

Religious faith: retaining firm trust in God's loving Providence, confident that He
will help us through anything, no matter what happens, and that "all things work
together for the “good” for those who seek to love and serve God in first place.

Habits of moderation: being able to enjoy life without excess and pile-up of
material goods--which often lead also to pile-up of unnecessary debt.

Strong family: putting, welfare of spouse and children first and seeing children's
long-term welfare (growth in character and conscience) as parents' #1 task.

Knowledge: specialized professional know-how, practical marketable abilities that
are sufficient to go into business for oneself should this become preferable or
necessary.

Sense of professionalism: taking pride in one’s work, doing the best one can
regardless of circumstances; also living personal character traits most prized by
employers and clients-(a) integrity (unity of intention, word, and action); (b) spirit
of service in work; (c) persistence and thoroughness.

Having many friends and social contacts: being a good friend, having a sense of
the needs of others, exercising good manners and social graces.

Being well informed and well read: having, lifelong interest in cultural
achievements, social and economic trends, and public affairs. Striving, to
constantly improve the soundness of one's judgment.

Knowing at least one foreign language proficiently, especially Spanish. The
second language of the United States is Spanish, and increasingly U.S. business
and professional services will be tied with Latin America.

Being willing and able to change-location, hours, even one's career. Sometimes
one must change jobs or career in order to preserve the stability of family life: for
instance, to secure another job rather than move and disrupt family ties, or to cut
back in disruptive travel requirements or long hours at the office so as to spend
more time with the family.