Faith & Vocation: Emily Wahl

As part of a year long project focused on faith and vocation we are highlighting various parishioners by having them answer seven questions.

Meet Emily Wahl!

How long have you been in Seattle and what do you most enjoy and struggle with about living here?

I grew up in Western Washington, but I’ve lived in the Seattle area since the fall of 2016. I love living in this city. The business environment is very dynamic. The city offers lots of cultural experiences (art, music, museums, etc.) while also being close to nature. The mountain range with a clear view of Mount Rainier never gets old. My struggles are the same as everyone else in the city. It’s expensive to live here and the traffic is bad. Safety can also be a problem depending on the neighborhood.

How long have you been at your current place of work and do you see this as a place of longevity? Why or why not?

I have been at my current workplace for about two and a half years and in the financial industry for ten years. I’m currently the Lending Assistant for the Seattle Private Banking team at Washington Trust Bank. I see this as a place of longevity. The bank treats the employees well and gives us lots of opportunities to grow.  It’s a fiscally responsible company which gives me confidence that I can keep my employment for a while.

Do you see your calling and your career as the same or different?

They are the same in my mind. My calling is doing whatever work God has put before me on this day. We aren’t promised tomorrow so it’s my responsibility to reflect Christ in my words and work today. Careers in business serve people by providing them with products or services they need to survive and thrive. It’s a practical way to serve God’s children and the world.

What are some of the things that you find most enjoyable about your work?

I love helping our business clients. It’s very fulfilling to help provide them with financial products that help them expand their business, make payroll, etc. Additionally, you get to meet people from all different backgrounds and organizations. I’m also very fortunate to work with good people. My boss is a great mentor. Our team works hard, but we take the time to enjoy happy hours or group outings. The office is on the 31st floor of an office building in downtown Seattle. I love to look out across the city. It makes me feel like I’m a part of something big.

What do you find particularly challenging?

Believe it or not, this industry can be emotionally challenging. It’s hard to witness things like income disparity, fraud, and favoritism. You face a lot of temptations towards idolizing money and power. This applies to the customers as well. Some customers can be very demanding and mean, especially if they feel they have the money to deserve special treatment.

How do you see your faith intersecting with your work?

Since I believe God puts me in my roles in the workplace, I try to remember that God is using my work to serve people and be an example to coworkers and customers. As this belief has started to take root in my heart, I’m trying to be more open about sharing that I go to church and things like that. On a personal level, God has used this industry to teach me compassion and humility. In my ten years in financial services, I have helped people in every demographic. I’ve helped people living in their cars up to making millions of dollars a year. These interactions break down stereotypes on both sides.

If there was something the church could do to support you more, what might that look like?

Most churches I went to growing up did not see the workplace as a “legitimate” Christian calling/ministry. The language from the pulpit and the attitude of the people reflected that professions outside the church were secondary and/or unimportant. I encourage everyone to remember that our Lord spent much of his earthly life working a trade. Additionally, God has used many individuals in “secular” professions to accomplish his purposes (Joseph, Nehemiah, and Daniel to name a few). Encourage your brothers and sisters in their work.