Christians in Corporate: The Addiction Trap
The Invitations
Working in Fintech, I have realized an interesting pattern.
When I started working as an engineer, my calendar quickly began teeming with invitations to late-night dinners, happy hours, and bar hopping. These events were initially exciting; as a new hire, I was eager to network and build my personal brand. Motivational TED talks on effective conversations lulled me to sleep, and my closet, full of new blazers and slacks, greeted me each morning. Everything was great.
Eventually, however, 3:00 a.m. drunken escapades in karaoke bars started to become my new normal. As a daughter of Christ, I had to ask myself, "How did I get here?".
Physical vs Spiritual
The truth is that there is much more to life than what we can see with our physical eyes. Beyond the physical realm, there exists a spiritual one. Over the past couple of years, with guidance from wise mentors and fellow believers, I’ve learned that what happens in the spiritual realm is proportional to the life you see in front of you. So, how did I end up singing "Dancing Queen" and downing tequila shots every other evening? It all began in the spirit.
The Holiday Party ❄️
Before this job, I wasn't a heavy drinker. (My main vice had been smoking weed, but thankfully, God freed me from that, knowing this role would require significant mental focus.) But anyway, back to the story.
In early December 2022, just weeks into my new position, the company hosted a holiday party. One of my new colleagues asked if I would like to participate in the party’s talent show, after I had shared with them during our coffee chat that I do songwriting. I agreed to perform, and it turned out to be a fun opportunity. Yet, I can’t even lie - my nerves felt like a handful of jumbled charger cords when I stepped off stage.
Hoping to shake off my anxiety, I mingled, but the atmosphere was awkward for me. Huddles of predominantly white men and women in formal attire filled the space. I was the new black girl who didn't know anyone, standing in what felt like a sea of sharks. I tried to introduce myself and put all those TED talk tips to work, but these commercial executives wouldn’t hold a conversation with me for more than 30 seconds.
To escape the discomfort, I shuffled over to the open bar. I vividly remember the bartender handing me the shots of Hennesy & coke. I recall the way I was hoping that it would somehow cut through the thick cloud of implicit bias in the room that had been choking me.
The trap here is that I thought I was simply calming myself down to better handle the situation I was facing in the physical. In the spiritual realm though, I was inadvertently sowing the seeds of an addiction. I was training my mind that night: in discomfort, we will drink. When I feel isolated, unseen, or unworthy, we will drink.
The Snowball Effect
As months passed, I continued to attend various work events, drinking more frequently. At home, I began to notice a collection of wine bottles accumulating. When did I start adding wine to my shopping cart? Why was I drinking alone?
It's worth mentioning that alcoholism has a history on both sides of my family. Many people think you're simply predisposed to addiction due to genetics. The truth is that these sorts of things also get passed down in the spirit.
So that night at the holiday party, yes, I felt alone. Yet, in the spiritual realm, the spirits of alcoholism and addiction kept me company.
They introduced themselves, "Hey, you remember us? We were close friends of your parents."
They Ubered home with me, then followed me to work every day.
They began joining me on my trips to Target and whispered in my ear to Doordash a bottle every now and again.
What happened in the spiritual realm as I stood at that bar at the holiday party was proportional to the pile of empty wine bottles I eventually found staring back at me.
Breaking Free
Acknowledging the growing habit was a key part of me breaking free. I had to be honest with myself that what started out as something that seemed harmless could turn into something that completely detours the trajectory of my life. I've seen a plethora of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even my own parents struggle with addiction. I had to make the decision that there was no way I would allow myself to go down this path - especially when I knew the hurt that would be attached to it.
I had to spend more time with God. Something I learned and understand even more now is that we can do nothing on our own. That is why sometimes overcoming obstacles we've been trying to tackle for years seems extremely difficult. It's because we try to overcome these things with our own strength. The fact of the matter is that the Holy Spirit that lives inside of us is the one who can defeat these tough challenges. So, we must focus on filling ourselves with the Holy Spirit, who will then give us the conviction to perform actions that align with His purpose. And as we know, God’s purpose for us is good. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Call to Action
To anyone who is just starting out in Fintech or corporate like I was, my hope is that this article makes you aware of this potential trap that lies ahead. You must be vigilant, avoiding addiction to anything: alcohol, drugs, people, workaholism even. Note, this isn’t by any means intended to turn you away from the industry, because there are many good aspects as well - that's why God placed you in the role! But I believe it's important to be aware of these sorts of things ahead of time so that you can be mindful and avoid veering off the path like I did.
I also want to beseech my fellow brothers and sisters working in Corporate to use this position in which God has placed you to spread His light and love. Daily seek out people you can pour into.
For any workplace experience coordinators out there, explore putting together some events that ditch the alcohol and feature soft drinks & mock-tails instead.
No Christian ERG in your company? Why not see if you can start one?
Notice new faces in the company? Offer guidance and mentorship to those who are just starting out and may not be familiar with this whole corporate landscape yet.
Above all, stay in God’s presence. He will show you what to do and why He has placed you where you are. Jesus is the one who will protect you from any and all traps. For He tells us in Isaiah 54:17 KJV, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”
I pray that this article inspires and equips you. May God continue to shower you with His blessings, and mold you into a leader for the kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen 🙏🏽
With Gratitude,
SalimahReflection Question: Have you experienced any traps or temptations in the workplace? What steps did you take/will you take to break free?
