2009, Vol.13, No.

Journal of Counseling and Gospel 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.55

pISSN : 1739-0745 / eISSN : 2799-6530
https://journal.kci.go.kr/jocag

In this paper, we discuss the meaning of work, the relationship between occupation and calling, and the purpose of work that are consistent with Christian understanding. Everyone has his or her own view on the world of work. Understanding this view within each counselee and biblical point of view of work are the cornerstone of career counseling. Our primary calling is to a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Furthermore, God calls each of us not only to a self-actualization, but also to a life of stewardship. The Bible teaches that everything we have are gifts God has entrusted to us to manage and use wisely for the good of his kingdom. This paper briefly summarized a theoretical foundation for vocational decision making and practical skills for the career counseling process. Theories of occupational choice emphasis on assessing the interests, abilities, and character of the worker. Trait and factor theory and career development theory have been introduced. It is one thing to acknowledge the theory and skill for career decision making and another to discern what God wants us to do with our life and gift. Making our career decision is a partnership effort between human being and God. God is ready and willing to do his part to guide you into the work.

Many people believe that the reason their lives seem meaningless and unhappy is due to their dissatisfaction of jobs. But according to Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy which states that a person who knows the meaning to their life can overcome any hardships in life, it is not the type of work that brings happiness, meaning and value to one’s life, but the way a person sets his mental attitude toward his or her job. This article, with a Christian viewpoint, explores the meaning of work by dividing the relational vocation with God as the first vocation and job-related vocation as the second. Thus through the etymologic, biblical, and Christian-historic meaning of the word “job”, one must understand the meaning of a job not simply as something that brings in wealth, but as a second vocation of calling from God; and that this second vocation would be able to recover its true meaning through the calling of the first vocation from God, or in other words through the restoration of a relationship with Him. But this article also indicates a problem of the protestant viewpoint of vocation as understanding a job not as a second but first vocation. Secondly, since in career counseling prevention is actually important, the article depicts about the principles distinguishing the jobs God calls as second vocation. Lastly, through the viewpoint of Christian counseling, the article examines the meaning of job and the treatment of unemployment neurosis caused by unemployment. Truly a job is a vocation given by God as a tool for making this world fit for the coming of Kingdom of God. By recognizing wisely the calling of a vocational job from God and by rejoicing and being thankful through that job would be the way of life to return glory to the living God.

Career choice is one of the most important decisions to make as life choice. But most people’s future educational paths and careers are decided by looking outward to the influences of society and economic conditions, and not inward to their own personalities and preferences. And they don’t get satisfaction on their jobs and adapt in their career society. This paper provides a critical discussion of the ongoing concern of career theory and illuminates the career development and career decision factors on Heer’s career choice theory. Futhermore, it proposes helpful advices and practical tools for Christians as they manage their career in today’s changing workplace on christian counseling. The result is that the career guidance and counseling should be in systematic process of human development from childhood. And christian counseling has to help christian clients choose appropriate career in Christ, and help the career be a helpful tool to use one’s own talent that God gave and to achieve one’s selfrealization.