Previous

Next

Ask a Question

Summary of Question:	Choosing A Career?
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 2/03/2004 12:41 PM MST

Hi, I have a question about the career choice.

I am a pre-med and I do understand that the career I choose to go into is my own decision but see if you could answer my questions, so that I can be better informed then I'm right now to make that decision.
I understand that our Dharma is like a manual with instructions that guides us to make good choices in life. I was wondering if there are any suggestions in it that talk about what purpose should be fulfilled through our career and/or jobs as we invest so much time in it. The problem is hat I just recently realized that the motivation behind what I wanted to do was to a huge extent, money and I'm embarassed to admit that the way I was planning to do is through practicing medicine, which of all careers should be based on nobility. The reason is as I understand that there are a lot of physicians in my family and money is one of the main resons that they love their jobs and unconsciously I starting feeling that way too and now I hate it. i'm losing my motivation as I realize how shallow it is and though I do want to practice medicine, I definetly do not want money to be the motivating factor and it seems like that's what is for most of the doctors I know of.
So, please let me know if you guys know of any Sikh doctors that could be a good role model and the general question of as to what other purposes we are supposed to fulfil through our jobs other than just money and social status.
Awaiting your reply and please forgive if its a silly question. I appreciate your help in advance.

******
reply
**********
Sat Siri Akaal. I am glad you are examining your motives. While it is good to be self-sufficient, there is no question that medical doctors in some places anyway are accorded a status that other professions do not have. Ask yourself if you are trying to please others or yourself? Do you really want to be a doctor? Your first motivator should be both personal interest and certainly in the case of medicine, a desire to serve others. As Sikhs, we should always be interested in serving others, but in medicine you end up with responsibility that other forms of service do not have (others' lives!). I suggest you explore other professional options or just take a break and go get any job. See what is out there to find your true professional calling. None of these recommendations is complete without daily meditation on the naam to attain neutral mind and an inner accord with Guru's guidance!

There are some things people are BORN to do. Perhaps medicine IS your calling, but if it's not then your heart will not be in it and you will be discontented. Money cannot appease inner discontent!!!
Guru ang sang,
-DKK