I believe I really struggle with avoiding coveting what other's have.
As I probably have mentioned in other threads, many of the people who went to my school are making six figures. I am making below minimum wage. I often have a hard time not looking at their jobs in envy, or with the feeling that I know I could do their job too. just as well if not better than they can, and i would be appreciative of getting paid that much. Often when I talk to one of them, they are complaining about something that seems really insignificant to someone who could only dream to have such a dilemma - i.e. the furniture store did not have the exact over-priced couch they were looking for and they had to find something else instead. something like that. Or complaining that the police officer pulled them over for speeding, even though they admit they were speeding, but the cop is wrong for singling out his luxury sports car. If I were lucky enough to be driving such a car, I would be obiding by the posted speed limit.... these are my thoughts
Then I get ambitious and start applying for jobs that pay a lot of money. or start striving for that lifestyle generally. But i feel guilty - is being ambitious and wanting the wealth that we see our peers have, after seeing it, is that "coveting" what they have? I feel guilty for having hopes and daydreams about a nice apartment in new york city and going to nice restaurants and having nice things, because I feel like it's wrong. Is this an incorrect viewpoint? And I get depressed when I look at my salary and think about how my classmates are making lots of money, and being treated to a complimentary stay in the Ritz Carlton for their job orientation (not an exaggeration). I haven't even been invited to interviews in which the employer covered the cost. All of my interviews have been paid for by me (airfare, hotel, etc) out of my own already-measly pocket. I look in sorrow at my classmates who go on and on about their interviews that were paid for by the employer.
sorry for rambling. but is it "coveting" what i'm doing? is wanting what others have, like financial security / high paying and prestigious job considered coveting? how can anybody be ambitious without coveting??
DISCUSS!!
As I probably have mentioned in other threads, many of the people who went to my school are making six figures. I am making below minimum wage. I often have a hard time not looking at their jobs in envy, or with the feeling that I know I could do their job too. just as well if not better than they can, and i would be appreciative of getting paid that much. Often when I talk to one of them, they are complaining about something that seems really insignificant to someone who could only dream to have such a dilemma - i.e. the furniture store did not have the exact over-priced couch they were looking for and they had to find something else instead. something like that. Or complaining that the police officer pulled them over for speeding, even though they admit they were speeding, but the cop is wrong for singling out his luxury sports car. If I were lucky enough to be driving such a car, I would be obiding by the posted speed limit.... these are my thoughts
Then I get ambitious and start applying for jobs that pay a lot of money. or start striving for that lifestyle generally. But i feel guilty - is being ambitious and wanting the wealth that we see our peers have, after seeing it, is that "coveting" what they have? I feel guilty for having hopes and daydreams about a nice apartment in new york city and going to nice restaurants and having nice things, because I feel like it's wrong. Is this an incorrect viewpoint? And I get depressed when I look at my salary and think about how my classmates are making lots of money, and being treated to a complimentary stay in the Ritz Carlton for their job orientation (not an exaggeration). I haven't even been invited to interviews in which the employer covered the cost. All of my interviews have been paid for by me (airfare, hotel, etc) out of my own already-measly pocket. I look in sorrow at my classmates who go on and on about their interviews that were paid for by the employer.
sorry for rambling. but is it "coveting" what i'm doing? is wanting what others have, like financial security / high paying and prestigious job considered coveting? how can anybody be ambitious without coveting??
DISCUSS!!