It is a misconception in the working world that a person is inherently driven to climb higher through the echolons of a company or career in the pursuit of success. This aspiration doesn’t belong to all though. What’s more, it’s an ever-elusive dream given the climb often comes at a price in other areas of life.
Having almost reached the end of a working age, I realise that I don’t have the ambition to simply move up and keep going. I am actually content with where I am in my current role. Of course, I wouldn’t be averse to a higher income. Who wouldn’t be? However, I know that I’d lose something else in the process. Right now, I relish the contact I have with the people I meet in my daily working life where I find myself helping them with questions and queries on a whole array of things. I try my best to resolve these situations to a positive outcome for them and on the occasions when I get feedback, where they express appreciation, it is enough to make me feel I have accomplished something good. That’s the recompense I would rather have than more money per se. Of course, I’d be lying if I said I would scoff at a similar role which would procure more money and the same expressions of gratitude from others.
Whilst it may seem like my work is a means to stroke my ego, I am also acutely aware that any good that comes from it comes from Allah alone. He is ultimately the One who deserves all the expressions of gratitude. Yet, my role within that is to leave someone with a good impression of what a Muslim represents. It is never about me, myself and I. I’m not conceited enough to know that my name and face will long be forgotten. What I would like to remain though, in the minds of others, is the memory that the Muslim they had met had only ever treated them well. My niyyah (intention) is – and has – always been that. I hope to always be an exemplar of Islam. If that much is achieved, then that’s all I could ask.
WIth the time I have in this life, that’s where I prioritise my goals. Its not about a better job, bigger house or fame. I want to capitalise on my personal skills and humanity and use them where it will produce the best outcome for others and maybe even in others, insha’Allah.
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