Learn—Maximum Time: 45 Minutes

Read:A successful job search follows this simple formula:

Act in Faith + Work Hard + Work Smart = Success

In this chapter, you will learn how these same principles apply to succeeding at work and how employment contributes to your self-reliance.

Josh’s Job Search

Read:Great news! Julie from ABC Marketing called Josh and offered him the Help Desk Technician position. He starts this week. Josh and his family are thrilled! This is a great step toward self-reliance, which Josh knows is more than just having a job.

Discuss:How is employment related to self-reliance?

Read:The scriptures teach, “For ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save” (2 Nephi 31:19). We saw that Josh worked hard, exercised faith, and was blessed with a job. However, just being employed doesn’t automatically mean that someone is self-reliant. You also need to do well at your job and perhaps look to greater employment goals. Heavenly Father can help you with this.

Discuss:How might Heavenly Father bless you in your employment?

1. Be a Great Employee

Read:Being a great employee will help you keep your job, grow at work, and earn more money. This can help you become more self-reliant.

Whether you are in your preferred job or aren’t there yet, remember, there is always value and experience gained through any job.

Great employees see every job as an opportunity, even if they would prefer a better job. Try not to leave a job until you have another job lined up. Opportunity takes work, and being a great employee will bring you more opportunities. Nearly all work is noble.

Discuss:Why should you be a great employee, regardless of the job?

Watch:“Keep it Simple,” available at srs.lds.org/videos. (No video? Read page 182.)

Activity (5 minutes)

Step 1: Think about the job you have or the job you want. Individually write down three specific things you can do to be a great employee for that job.

Step 2: Each of you share one of your ideas with the rest of the group. If you hear something you want to do, write it down.

2. Make Employment Goals

Read:To become self-reliant, you may need to consider broader employment goals.

Ponder:Will your current job (or the job you are seeking) help you become self-reliant?

Activity (8 minutes)

Move your chair to speak with another person in the group.

Step 1: Describe your current job or the job you are seeking.

Step 2: Describe the job you want in two to four years. Is it the same or something different?

Step 3: Discuss what it would be like to have enough money to travel to the temple, serve missions, or help others.

Step 4: Write what you have discussed in these boxes.

Where You Are Now	Where You Want to Be

Read:Now that you have an idea about where you want to go, how do you get there? To progress in your work, you may need additional skills or education. What you have learned about job seeking will also help you with your employment goals. Identifying resources and making contacts will help you qualify for the positions you may want in the future.

Josh’s Job Search

Read:Josh is happy to have a job, but he wants to become a network engineer. That will help him earn more and be more self-reliant. To help him see what he needs to do next, he used this tool.

Positions You Want	Skills and Knowledge You Need	Ways to Gain the Skills and Knowledge	Next Steps
Network engineer	Degree in computer science Networking certificates More experience	Finish degree Ask for special projects Talk to other network engineers	Informational interviews with some network engineers

Activity (8 minutes)

Think about the position you want or how to improve in your current role. Complete the table below. Then share it with your action partner.

Positions You Want	Skills and Knowledge You Need	Ways to Gain the Skills and Knowledge	Next Steps

Discuss:How will taking these next steps lead to greater self-reliance?

Conclusion

Watch:“Growing,” available at srs.lds.org/videos. (No video? Read page 183.)

Discuss:What are the most important things you learned from this chapter?

Read:The formula for a successful job search is:

Act in Faith + Work Hard + Work Smart = Success

These same principles apply to succeeding at work. God loves you and wants you to be self-reliant. Show your faith by striving to be a great employee and planning for a job that will help you be self-reliant. He will bless you as you work hard and act in faith.