THIS definitely is not a matter of having a dark or gloomy outlook in life. On the contrary, this is what would make us truly realistic, able to have a wholistic picture of our life and knowing what life’s true character and purpose are.
We are reminded of this truth of our Christian faith in that gospel episode where Christ told his disciples to be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open the door immediately when he comes and knocks. (cfr. Lk 12,35-38)
“Should he (the master) come in the second or third watch and find them (the servants) prepared in this way, blessed are those servants,” Christ told his disciples.
That gospel episode somehow tells us that our life here on earth is not our definitive life. Our definitive life is an eternal one due to our spiritual nature that is poised for a supernatural life, or a life with God forever since we are his image and likeness, meant to share in his life and nature.
Our life here on earth is just a test to see if what God wants us to be is also what we ourselves would want to be. It’s a test to see if we want to be with God or simply to be by ourselves. God gave us a clear commandment about what we ought to do in this life.
In fact, the first mandate God gave man through our first parents was to “be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it.” (Gen 1,28) In other words, everything that we do here in this life is supposed to be done in obedience to this original divine mandate. There is nothing in our life that ought to be considered as outside this duty to follow this mandate.
And so, we just have to be always vigilant and prepared to meet God when he finally calls us in our death. There will be judgment to see if we have followed his will all throughout our life.
Death is a crucial point in our life, because our spiritual condition at that moment would determine our eternal destiny. And so, it would be most advisable that we overcome whatever fear or awkwardness we may have with respect to having an abiding consideration of the possibility of death at any moment of our life.
As said earlier, it is not to have a dark or gloomy outlook in life. Rather, that abiding consideration of death would truly help us not to lose focus on what is truly essential and necessary in life. We know that we have that notorious tendency to get entangled with the non-essentials in life.
Thus, the daily practice of examination of conscience at the end of the day is most advisable since it gives us the time to check whether we are still on the right path or not. This practice means that our spiritual and moral life is in a state of constant struggle, in a continuing warfare, since we meet the forces of good and evil in every step of our daily affairs.
The situations and predicaments can be big or small, extraordinary or common, but we always find ourselves in situations of making choices and decisions. We have to continually deal with our weaknesses and temptations, not to mention sins, on the one hand, and the need to reach our proper and ultimate end, God, on the other.
Job hunting in the country
In today’s competitive job market, individuals often find themselves disillusioned by the limited impact that senior high school, college education, and work experience have on their job hunt. Despite their perceived value, these traditional credentials have seemingly lost their significance in determining candidates’ employability in the Philippines. Let’s try to shed light on the ever-evolving landscape of the job market and what else is required to succeed.
Contrary to popular belief, senior high school alone cannot guarantee a successful career path. While this stage of education provides a fundamental base, it often lacks the specialized training required by today’s industries. Employers now prioritize candidates who possess more specialized skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication, which are not typically emphasized during senior high. Consequently, relying solely on a high school degree renders the job search futile.
Although college remains a stepping stone for many toward career success, the conventional perception that a degree alone guarantees prosperous employment stands outdated. As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, employers now prioritize candidates who possess practical knowledge and applicable skills in their chosen field. Simply earning a degree is no longer enough. Rather, it is essential for students to actively engage in internships, research projects, and extracurricular activities that equip them with real-world experiences and sought-after skills.
Work experience was once considered a crucial factor in securing desirable employment. However, in today’s rapidly In an evolving job market, relying solely on work experience can be limiting. Technological advancements and shifting industry demands have rendered traditional job experiences less valuable. Employers now seek candidates who can adapt to change, embrace innovation, and demonstrate a willingness to learn and upskill. Thus, solely relying on past experience fails to adequately demonstrate potential for growth and development.
In the pursuit of career success, the cultivation of soft skills has significantly gained importance. Additionally, employers now prioritize individuals who possess strong communication, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership skills. Unfortunately, these skills are seldom emphasized in traditional educational settings, undermining their development among graduates. Consequently, those solely relying on hard skills acquired through senior high and college education may struggle to secure employment in an increasingly competitive job market.
The futility of an exclusive reliance on senior high, college education, and work experience highlights the vital importance of continuous learning and adaptability. To remain competitive and enhance employability, individuals must embrace lifelong learning, seeking out additional certifications, specialized courses, or vocational training. By continuously growing their skills and actively adapting to market demands, job seekers can distinguish themselves from their peers and stand out to potential employers.
But these, too, are becoming futile in the face of another reality characterizing job placements, particularly among government agencies in the country. Senior high and college degrees, experience, and even special skills and abilities are nothing because those who get accepted are only those with backers and padrinos, recommended by powerful and influential people who merit the respect of the appointing authorities. A candidate can be a board topnotcher, but he/she is no match against the manager’s nephew, the secretary’s cousin, or the director’s child, etc. In some agencies, such a candidate is no match against the applicant who paid a hundred thousand to the appointing authorities.
The changing dynamics of the job market have rendered senior high, college education, work experience, and special skills inadequate measures of employability. To enhance their chances of securing desirable employment, applicants must secure recommendations from big politicians and high-ranking officials. They must be related to the appointing authorities. And sometimes when required, they must pay huge amounts to the appointing officials to get a job. That’s the reality of job placements in our beloved country, hence the exodus of well-qualified applicants to other countries even if it is against their will to go overseas.