What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? A Faith-Focused Guide to Discovering God’s Calling and Career Direction
The Pressure Behind the Question
How many times in your life have you been asked: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" It’s a question that begins early, planting a seed in us to aspire to a job, career, or future that will sustain us.
I remember being around 11 or 12 years old when I asked my mom what she thought I should be. I didn’t yet know the Lord, so instead of going to my Creator, I went to the person who knew me best. My mom didn’t have a defined career; she was a stay-at-home mom with a few part-time jobs along the way. She paused and said, “I can see you working in advertising, like that character from the show we watch.” I wasn’t overwhelmed, but I felt hopeful that she saw something in me I hadn’t yet discovered.
Who Should We Ask About Our Purpose?
"What do you want to BE?" is such a heavy question. Our upbringing and environment shape our early answers. But what if we asked a better question: "God, what did You create me to BE?"
Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” God designed us for purpose, but that purpose isn’t limited to a job title.
Environment Shapes Exposure
I grew up in rural Montana. My dad was an electrician; my grandpa was a mechanic. Most people I knew were ranchers or tradespeople. My career vision was limited to what I saw. Yet, the media showed me nurses, lawyers, doctors—roles that felt noble and respected.
Early on, I thought I might become a nurse, veterinarian, or psychologist. I didn’t know anyone in these professions, but I wanted an answer to that big life question. Many of us create answers just to satisfy others, without knowing if they align with who we truly are.
In today’s digital age, we have endless tools to research and explore careers. Be curious. Ask questions. Seek out stories. God will reveal our path if we are willing and open to see it.
Knowing God, Knowing Yourself
No matter what path you consider, discovering your calling starts with knowing yourself—and knowing yourself starts with knowing God. I didn’t meet Him until my mid-thirties. Along the way, I read books, took assessments, and reflected deeply. These tools helped articulate my interests, values, personality, and abilities.
Career development relies on understanding these four components. But once you understand who you are, the challenge is connecting that knowledge to real opportunities.
After completing my doctorate, I assumed new leadership doors would open immediately. Instead, I waited. For 18 months, I prayed, trusted, and learned to walk by faith. When the right opportunity finally came, it was clear God had orchestrated it. I stepped into the role with confidence and purpose—and had success navigating challenges others couldn’t. I had aligned who I was created to be with the career God designed for me.
Try It Before You Commit
The best way to discern whether a path is right is to dip your toes in the water. Internships, part-time jobs, and job shadowing are powerful ways to gain clarity. Even learning what you don’t enjoy is valuable.
When I left retail management to pursue a master’s in educational counseling, I started over. It was intimidating, but I had peace. I used my past career to clarify what I wanted from the next one. After landing an internship in higher education, I realized my true passion wasn’t in high school counseling, but in working with college students. That experience changed everything.
If you’re not in school, you can still learn through informational interviews. Talk to people in the careers you're considering. Ask about their path, challenges, and advice. You may gain more insight from a 30-minute conversation than from weeks of online research.
God’s Plan > Our Plan
Change is hard. It can be scary. But when we follow God’s lead, we have nothing to fear. He may not give us a five-year plan, but He always reveals the next step when we trust Him.
So how should we answer the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Today, I would say: I want to BE the person God created me to be—in my career, in ministry, in family, and in every season of life.
I may not know the full picture yet, but as I grow closer to God through prayer and His Word, the path becomes clearer.
📊 Practical Steps to Take Today
🔍 Explore career ideas using O*Net or My Next Move
📈 Take a career assessment to clarify your strengths, interests, and values
🤝 Conduct informational interviews with professionals in fields you’re exploring
👷 Try internships or volunteer opportunities that let you test career paths
🙏 Pray without ceasing for God’s guidance—and be ready to act when He answers
💼 Final Encouragement
Your career matters to God—not just for what you do, but for who you become in the process. At Grace Career Coaching, we help you align your purpose, passion, and profession with your faith.
Don’t just chase a job. Seek to become who God created you to be.
