Main Intention
Conversation and advice about my future role
I got the official result a few days ago which stated that I passed all exams from October to December 2023 for my future role which is to become one of my goals: a university lecturer.
I should be elated right? Well, definitely I should. I secured the job that I wanted and had the highest score. But, there is something that is bugging me about that job.
There has been a movement on X (formerly: twitter) which started by some lecturer in Indonesia with the hashtags #JanganJadiDosen and #JanganJadiGuru. The posts on X with those hashtags persuade people not to become a lecturer and teacher or even thinking of becoming one of those professions. Those lecturers who joined the movement even captured their paycheck, which can be said lower than minimarket cashier and janitor despite the high workload.
Can you imagine how toxic it is?
People who choose to become a lecturer strive to attain Master’s and Doctoral degrees. Spent their massive amount of time and even money to do research and publication which is beneficial for the society in this country. However, this country gives small credits and appreciation for their sacrifice and determination. In contrast to the politicians who only think about their party and make themselves richer.
I told my mother about it when the unofficial result came out in January 2024. I told her that when I started to work as a lecturer, the monthly salary might be paid at once after three to six months. Therefore, I have to work and save money as much as I can to survive without monthly payment for at least six months. Honestly, it makes me contemplate my decision whether I want to keep going or not.
Yesterday, in the dining room. I had a conversation with my mother after I said this:
“Your daughter will soon become a civil servant. A university lecturer in a reputable university. However, I will be paid so little.”
I chuckled, shook my head, and then took a deep breath. My mother, who was standing up, pulled a chair and sat in front of me.
“When you only think about money or become money oriented, you will get stressed out. You should make your first intention clear. Which to worship God and seek God’s blessing whenever you get to work and teach your students. Then, God will give you reward in this world and the hereafter. Things will get easier afterwards.”
She was right, I forgot about the main thing that makes me want to become a lecturer: to make a bigger impact on society. I will be ecstatic if someday I get news that my future students are successful. Just like when I see my friends who sought my help to teach them what I know. Now they have become more successful than I am.
I am not saying that I am 100% sure with my decision to choose my future role as a lecturer. Even though I already submitted all of the documents needed for that job. Yet, I suppose I must make myself clear about the main reason and goal when I started working as a lecturer. Hopefully, it makes me strong through economic adversity while adapting to the new role.
