As an Eagle Scout and former scoutmaster, the Boy Scout motto has been emblazoned in my brain: “Be Prepared.” As a boy, to me, this meant to make sure I had everything I needed for a camp-out. As I gained experience and learned the tricks for being prepared, I found myself enjoying the outings more, and not worrying about adversities like bad weather.

This motto applies to adulthood as well. Given the economic and cultural conditions these days, we need to prepare ourselves for the possibility of career transition. Part of being prepared is financial, but I’d like to explore how we prepare ourselves spiritually. The following are some adversities we encounter in career transition and how we can prepare for them in dealing with everyday issues at work:

1. Loss of self-esteem or confidence: In daily work life, others may get the promotion over us or someone else had a better idea. Learn humility; find and develop your true strengths and don’t try to mimic others. "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (1 Cor 12:7)

2. Fear and uncertainty: We have bouts of fear when faced with deadlines or new bosses. Practice letting go and trusting God to guide you through. “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” (Matt 8:26)

3.  Despair: We run into problems at work when we just don’t know what we’re going to do next. In those moments, find ways to turn your attention to serving others. “For it is in giving that we receive.” (Prayer of St. Francis)

4.  Change: We deal regularly with restructuring, new bosses, and changing processes. Learn to put these in perspective. How many times have we survived – or even prospered – from change in the past when we trusted God to guide us?

As you gain experience in faithfully responding to the lesser problems at work, you learn the tricks of being prepared for the changing weather conditions of your career. When you do this you enjoy much more where you are today, because you’re not as concerned about the future.  Through trust and confidence in God, you know you are well-prepared.