If my marketing job requires me to associate with nondevotees in anti-devotional settings such as bars should I look for another job?

If my marketing job requires me to associate with non-devotees in anti-devotional settings such as bars, should I look for another job?

Let’s say I have a marketing job that requires me to meet people in common social settings—such as bars—or to use language and references they’re comfortable with. This might include watching certain TV shows or movies just to establish rapport. Now, while this job pays well, it also involves engaging in activities that are not aligned with devotional life. On the other hand, I could potentially switch to another job where the work may be more intensive, but the environment is more neutral or even favorable for my spiritual growth, and the salary is roughly the same.

So, what should I do?

From what I understand, each of us needs to consider both our position and our disposition. Some people are naturally more outgoing, sociable, and comfortable in diverse environments. They may be able to reach and connect with people that most devotees might find difficult to engage with. If the activities associated with such a job don’t affect our consciousness—meaning they don’t leave lingering impressions or provoke desires that compromise our spiritual standards—and if, through such interactions, we’re also able to share something about bhakti or bring others closer to Krishna, then such work might even be seen as a form of service.

However, this depends heavily on one’s nature. For someone introverted, merely being in such social settings might be draining. And associating with people who don’t share similar values can be even more difficult. If that’s the case, then there’s no need to feel compelled to continue in such a job—especially not under the illusion that every other job will be drastically better. Often, we think the grass is greener on the other side.

That said, if the job suits your natural abilities—connecting with people, communicating effectively, building relationships—it might be worth continuing. But if you’re considering moving to a different kind of role, say from marketing to something more technical or analytical, then it’s not just about the pay or time investment. It’s also about the mental and emotional demands of the new role. Is it more in tune with your psychophysical nature? Does it allow you to live your devotional values more smoothly?

Every job has its pluses and minuses. Apart from the external environment, the internal compatibility of a job with our nature plays a huge role in our well-being. I’m not just referring to devotional compatibility, but simply how much a job aligns with our temperament and skill set. For example, someone with a brahminical nature may feel quite comfortable engaging with complex intellectual ideas, even if those ideas are non-devotional or even critical of devotionalism—they’ll feel stimulated to analyze, refute, and respond. But if the same person is put in a managerial role, even among well-behaved and respectful people, they might feel agitated because the role itself doesn’t suit their nature.

Similarly, someone with a managerial or kshatriya-type disposition might thrive in administrative or action-oriented roles, even if they have to deal with challenging personalities. But if they are asked to study and reflect deeply for long hours, even on devotional subjects, they might feel drained.

So the point is: protecting our consciousness is essential. But what protects or disturbs our consciousness may vary from person to person. There’s a saying: “Ships are safest in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are meant for.” Similarly, while it’s important to protect our consciousness, that protection shouldn’t come at the cost of avoiding meaningful engagement. Our goal is not just to avoid danger, but to meaningfully use our consciousness to contribute.

Therefore, consider:

• What agitates or protects your consciousness?
• What aligns with your nature and strengths?
• Where can you contribute the most meaningfully?

Based on this introspection, you can make a well-informed and sustainable decision. It’s not a black-and-white matter, but with honest self-assessment and spiritual guidance, the right path can become clearer.