Vocation

Career or Calling?

A brief examination of dictionary entries for “vocation” reveals almost immediately the absence of any religious connotation that was once associated with the term. It is associated with a chosen career, trade, or profession which may include a call or summons to a religious profession or one of public service. Nevertheless, the emphasis is placed upon a paid profession or career track. How one determines precisely what that call to a paid profession is in twenty-first century North American culture is largely determined by a combination of self-interests: strengths, which may be considered gifts, abilities, or personality traits; salary or compensation packages (which include benefits and paid time off); and the prestige associated with the profession (Schuurman 2004, p. xii). There are personality inventories and aptitude tests administered to those with uncertainty, or those experiencing a life transition seeking a new career. The focus is on career as opposed to...