Navigating Ethical Dilemmas at Work: A Catholic Perspective

Balancing Faith and Professional Integrity

Being Catholic and doing the right thing at work can sometimes be difficult. Early in my career, I faced a challenging situation that tested my values and integrity. I had an opportunity to interview for a new position, and as I prepared, I discovered that some of my colleagues had not received the email about the interview. This presented a dilemma: should I remain silent to increase my chances of getting the job, or should I inform HR about the oversight?

After much internal debate, I chose to call HR and let them know that the email hadn't reached my colleagues. They agreed and sent it to them. Ultimately, I didn't get the job; instead, a colleague who hadn't received the original email was selected. Surprisingly, I wasn't upset. In fact, I felt at peace, though I was disturbed by my initial temptation to stay silent.

Rather than dwell on my hesitation, I decided to turn this experience into a teachable moment for myself and my children. I believe it's crucial for children to witness their parents' struggles and mistakes—not to focus on the errors themselves, but to see how we handle them. I sat down with my kids and explained the entire situation, including my internal conflict. They reassured me that I did the right thing, and I agreed. However, I emphasized that the real issue was my consideration of not saying anything.

I explained to them that in future situations, I might be tempted to remain silent again. It's vital to have strong beliefs and values so that when these dilemmas arise, we instinctively do the right thing without hesitation. This experience also provided an opportunity for my children to witness God's grace. We all make mistakes and sin, but when we seek forgiveness, God is there to guide and support us. It's important for our children to see this process.

In today's society, where blame is often shifted onto others, it's essential to learn from our mistakes and share these lessons with our children. The next time you face a struggle or make a mistake, let it be a teachable moment. Learn from it and share it with your kids. For a deeper exploration of this topic, check out the podcast where the hosts will dive into this article.

For a deeper exploration of this topic, check out the podcast where the hosts will dive into this article.