01 Jan Me, Myself and I – Jan 15

By Cathline Augustiani

A four years old little girl held a leather cover yearly planner agenda on her little hand. She barely could write proper sentences but she kept writing, pretending that she is a busy young executive.

She also doesn’t look feminine at all in her “T-shirt and jeans” outfits. The only time she loves seeing herself wearing a skirt is when she sneaked out at department stores to Executive Suits or Work Wear section. She picked some and try it on in the fitting room, while her mum went shopping in kids section. She is driven by her dreams since that young age as to one day seeing herself as a young executive in those cool outfits who work in a big company building.

That little girl is me. If I look back to my childhood dreams and seeing myself now in early stages of my career in finance industry, working in Sydney Central Business District with amazing office view that spoil my eyes to see beautiful Harbour view everyday, it feels like a dream come true.

But there is one question that struck my heart – what is the thing that drives my passion working in this area? Is the reason as shallow as dreaming to look cool as what I have seen in Wall Street movie and to make name for myself? Is it all about me, myself and I?

I realised business degree has become the top favourite choices for high achieving young people. Many regarded it as the most prestigious degree and hold the dreams to work in financial services industry.  They are lured by remuneration packages that are far higher than any other profession; the graduates are expecting to work in a big luxurious office. I used to think if I got to certain position in finance industry, my life would really have value.

Having a melancholic dominating personality, I see myself as a workaholic and feel good about it. Until one day, God stirred my heart and reminded me to not let the pursue of success become object of extreme devotion. It only reveals my insecurity and fear of being “not good enough”.

In his book “Every Good Endeavour”, Tim Keller emphasises the importance for Christians to understand the purpose of their work in the world. The opportunity to make lots of money does not necessarily mean that is the vocation you should continue to pursue. We do not choose jobs and conduct our work to fulfil ourselves or to accrue power. We are to see work as a way of service to God.

Now the question should no longer be:

“What will make me the most money and give me the most status?”

The question should now be:

“How, with my existing abilities and opportunities, can I be of greatest service to other people, knowing that what I do of God’s will and of human need?”