The Need for Continued Personal Growth and Occupational Well-Being: Insights Gained Through My YSA Stake

I didn't known how common of a need this was in my stake until the past 2 years. While visiting with the bishops from the upper age singles' wards in our stake, multiple bishops indicated that underemployment is among their top 5 areas of need and concern among a good sized demographic of their ward members. Sometimes I refer to this area of life as the need for "rungs to reach to."

When we see the research behind unemployment and underemployment, we see the urgency expressed in an early Church welfare pamphlet saying, "A man out of work is of special moment to the Church because, deprived of his inheritance, he is on trial as Job was on trial -- for his integrity. As days lengthen into weeks and months and even years of adversity, the hurt grows deeper... The Church cannot hope to save a man on Sunday if during the week it is a complacent witness to the crucifixion of his soul." Helping Others to Help Themselves: The Story of the Mormon Church Welfare Program (1945), 4.

*This research can be found here on Gallup's website.

In my own experience, nothing has ever influenced me emotionally, spiritually and relationally/dating life-wise, more negatively than feeling stagnant for an extended amount of time. Like President Owen said at one stake council, "There is no such thing as being stagnant. If you're not progressing, you're digressing." I can personally attest to that. For me, a large part of my area of stagnation or plateau was professionally.

Progression can take place through developing skills, talents, and abilities outside of work. You can learn to create art, play the piano, make new recipes, learn to interact with more people and the list could go on and on.  Not all of life is work. Not all of progression takes place in a career. It is however an important area of life. One where people contribute to society, create and have a positive influence.

Some people may argue that some singles focus too much on work and in some cases I am sure that is true. It is however for many singles an area where they have greater control over, one where they can see results when relationships are not resulting in much, and one where they can give back, build up, create and contribute. While it would be wonderful to do those same things with a spouse and with children, for singles, that is not currently an option. Work can be an incredible source of contribution and satisfaction.

If however work becomes stagnant and plateaued it no longer provides that great sense of satisfaction. How then can someone overcome stagnant stages and plateaued phases to enjoy work the way they once did?

I have never heard stagnation addressed better Bishop Roy addressed it in a 5th Sunday lesson to the whole 232nd ward. He counseled them to

1. Not limit themselves to past decisions 
• regarding what they do for work, who they date, living in Provo or wherever they might be, etc.
2. Get to know yourselves better.
• personality, passions, interests, and what they really want in life
3. Create a blue-print to achieve what they really want.

Here is the link to his counsel in case it may be of interest. I recorded it because of how it helped me and because it would help some of my friends.