Is it wrong to work in the gambling industry?

Every job we take and every decision we make should reflect our values and belief system. That’s easier said than done, right? Especially when finances, family responsibilities, and daily pressures are weighing on us. In this special Q&A episode of Adulting with Joyce Pring, I sat down to answer some of your most heartfelt questions from working in industries that don’t always align with God’s will, to the very practical question of who watches my kids when I’m away.

When your job doesn’t align with your convictions

One listener wrote about leaving a stable job to take a higher-paying role in the gambling industry. The motivation was clear to wanting to save more money and provide stability, but the question was, is this God-honoring?

Here’s the reality: money is a real concern. I’ve been there too, wondering if turning down a project would mean not having enough. But as I shared on the podcast, if you are a Christian, every aspect of your life (including your career) becomes a reflection of your faith. There’s no such thing as a “holy career” versus a “regular career.” Whether you’re a teacher, a stay-at-home parent, or an engineer, that calling is holy because it’s where God placed you to live out your faith.

The hard part is that industries like gambling make it difficult, if not impossible, to steward money and values in a manner that honors God. Gambling thrives on instant gratification and often preys on people who can least afford to lose. When we treat money as God’s resource entrusted to us, we must ask: Is risking it in games of chance truly honoring Him?

Now, I don’t say this to condemn anyone. Convictions aren’t about shame, they’re about alignment. If you’re already in a job that doesn’t sit right with your spirit, take that discomfort as a sign. God’s grace always gives us space to make new choices, to step away, and to trust that He will provide even if the next path seems harder or less lucrative. Sometimes obedience costs us comfort, but it always leads us closer to peace.

Who takes care of the kids when I’m away?

Another question I got was a very practical one, especially from a first-time mom: “Who takes care of your kids when you’re at work or having me-time?”

The short answer? My husband. Juancho and I really try to balance our schedules so that when he’s working, I’m home, and when I’m working, he’s with the kids. It doesn’t always line up perfectly, but that’s our rule of thumb.

We also have one trusted yaya who assists us, but we don’t want to rely on her alone for long stretches of time. Either one of us is there, or we involve the grandparents. Our family culture is very hands-on and inclusive. We’d rather bring the kids with us to work than leave them too often without us. Sure, it’s messier, more chaotic, and definitely harder to focus sometimes, but it’s the kind of family rhythm we’ve chosen.

For me-time or workouts, I usually schedule them around the kids’ routines. They’re sleep-trained, so I might run before they wake up or do my nails after bedtime. The key is knowing their rhythm and fitting mine around it.

And here’s an encouragement for new moms who might be struggling with this balance: it’s okay to ask for help. Your mental health matters, and leaning on a spouse, a trusted caregiver, or family doesn’t make you any less of a hands-on mom. It makes you a sustainable one.

Both of these questions about career choices and childcare remind us that adulting isn’t about having perfect answers. It’s about discernment, conviction, and sometimes choosing the harder path because it’s the one aligned with what truly matters.