career choices and hexagram 36

[folledeschiele]

Part three in my current saga of examining every aspect of my life and trying to discern what might need a change, I drew the I Ching tonight asking whether staying in my current job would provide a foundation for doing the kind of work I know I need and want to do. See, I'm a foreigner in the country where I live, and I've made some compromises around my career in order to learn the skills I felt I needed to go forward. For the past year, I've been remarkably happy at a job in my chosen field, and am learning a lot of the skills I've desperately wanted to develop for years-- but the job is centered in an industry that completely goes against my core values. Though I don't do anything in my job to really further that industry (I'm a journalist writing for a trade publication), writing about it all the time is getting me down, and even makes me feel "dirty" at times. I want to be engaged in issues that truly matter to me and help bring to light those issues, not ponder the financial solvability of an industry I find soulless. So, back to my question: I asked the Yi whether this job could nonetheless give me the core skills I need to become the fierce muckraker I want to become, and drew 36, Darkening of the Light, lines 1, 4, 5, 6, and changing to hexagram 33 (Retreat). Is this job turning me to the dark side? Is that what the Yi saying? ;) I say that only half-jokingly. Line 1 nearly bowled me over, since it seems to suggest I'd be better off starving than working a job at which I lose my honor. Retreat seems to suggest I quit my job immediately..
Any insight would be appreciated. At this moment, I'm happy at the job and very much enjoy the people I work with, and was recently given quite a lot of new responsibilities, and am enjoying that too. Is this all a problem of form and substance? This would be my dream job if the topic were more in line with my values and interests.

Thanks...

ps-- follow-up question: "Should I start looking for a new job as soon as possible?" and received hexagram 2, lines 2, 4 and 6, changing to 64, Before Completion.

[my_key]

36.1 - It's a tough situation and you are suffering, because you feel you need to stick in there for you long term goals.
36.4 - You are aware of the downsides of the job & how unhappy the job is making you, so you are in the driving seat and can act accordingly when you feel the time is right.
36.5 - You don't need to / feel you can leave your job at the moment, so hang on in there. Play the game. Keep a really positive attitude and keep a close eye on all that is going on around you. Be aware of what is going on that could be acting against your needs.
36.6 - Don't over stay your welcome. When you have learnt enough, move on. This will allow you to grow.

33 - Withdraw on your terms, when it is to your greater advantage. Don't lose sight of what you are really looking for out of life.

"Should I start looking for a new job as soon as possible?" and received hexagram 2, lines 2, 4 and 6, changing to 64, Before Completion.

2 - Be Receptive - Don't try to force the matter
2.2 - Where you are now is the right place for you. You are how you live not what you do.
2.4 - Don't try to judge what is going on. Keep an open mind on everything.
2.6 - Take what life is giving you for the moment. Accept it for what it is.

64 - Let things simmer for a while. The time is not yet ready for the move. Give it a bit more serious thought.

Take Care

Mike

[willowfox]

I asked the Yi whether this job could nonetheless give me the core skills I need to become the fierce muckraker I want to become, and drew 36.1, 4, 5, 6, > 33

Line 36.1 says for a start don't show how you feel to others, just keep those things to yourself and be quiet. It would be advisable to look the other way at times.

Line 36.4 says you know what the people think here and that is never going to change, so if you really don't like it then leave.

Line 36.5 This line says that you cannot leave as the job itself means too much to you at the moment, it is providing you with both a salary and a skill, so the advice is to keep your head down, don't make waves and just get on with it.

Line 36.6 This suggests big changes will come for you later, once you have learned all you need to know then that will be the end of it.

Hex 33 says when you eventually leave you will have all the skills necessary to fight your underground war of words.

[willowfox]

"Should I start looking for a new job as soon as possible?" and received hexagram 2, lines 2, 4 and 6, changing to 64

No.