Presented by Lauren Stibgen

What are some different things we wait for when it comes to our career or work? Or does our career or work cause us to feel like we are waiting on other aspects of our life? Honestly, after being in prayer for about two years with other female executives, I can say that waiting and work impact us personally and professionally.

For women who are just starting out in the workforce, this waiting can be for a first job. A recent article in Forbes online[1] noted that two of five recent graduates do not feel their college or university properly prepared them for their transition to work. In addition to this perceived lack of preparation, employers are also biased about hiring recent college grads. Statistically, 50% of hiring managers at a supervisory level and above feel this group of candidates is not adequately prepared for the workforce. The pandemic only compounded the issues recent classes are experiencing when trying to obtain a position. And they find themselves waiting—not only for a job but simply for an interview. With this age group already feeling the impact of isolation from the pandemic, the added stressors of finding a postgraduate position can lead to discouragement.

As “an older saint”, as a Gospel Coalition article[2] might deem me, my role in helping these younger believers in their waiting is critical. Simply networking and providing mentorship can help encourage and connect graduates to new opportunities. It is also important to point them to encouragement in God’s Word. How many young followers of God waited for their job?

King David’s first job was that of a lowly sheep herder. His father didn’t even invite him to the dinner that was called when Samuel was sent by the Lord to anoint a new king for Israel. Even after he was anointed, David continued to tend the sheep, and was a musician for Saul. He had some odd jobs as we might say, until he finally became king. Along the way he sought encouragement from the Lord but also in dear counsel from people like Samuel and Jonathan.

While recent graduates are experiencing a hard time landing a first position, there are many women in transition at a senior level as well. In many of the calls I have with other female executives, we call ourselves “the middle”. We deal with the real pressures of work while also raising children and maybe managing aging parents. Not to mention, we may have our own health issues.

Using the word transition for this group of women in the workforce takes a different shape. It doesn’t just mean they are unemployed seeking employment. This transition may also look like stepping down from a leadership position, starting their own business, or looking for a promotion.  In addition, many women are experiencing ageism at work. Statistically, more older women are being forced out of the workforce than men. Some research states that women are 50% more likely to experience ageism at work than their male counterparts. Working women who have been waiting for that more senior role or promotion or who may be seeking new employment are faced with a particular worldview. This worldview is described in an article by The Kit[3] as one that made them feel “diminished, devalued, demeaned.” The article from March of 2023 also says, “For every career win for a woman over 50, there are countless humiliating losses. Some play out publicly, like when CNN morning show host Don Lemon declared U.S. presidential candidate Nikki Haley past her prime at 51.”

For our listeners today, I would tell you I am encroaching on 50, and see so many vibrant, working women with successful careers well past 50. However, if we don’t look at the reality of how ageism can cause waiting, or even unemployment, we can’t even start to address the issue. As Christian working women, we too can experience ageism in a secular workforce. Just this week one of the women in my prayer group told us she struggles believing in her worthiness as sh...