There are many reasons people work. Here are what I think are the three main categories:

Job

  • A means to some other end
  • Providing financial support
  • I don’t expect much else from my work
  • Often little loyalty or emotional commitment (“work is a four letter word”)
  • Move on if a better job (usually more money/benefits) comes along

Career

  • Mark achievements through income, advancements, power, or prestige
  • Usually involves ongoing training and development
  • Focus on a particular profession/trade/skill set
  • Often certified, licensed, or credentialed
  • “Topping out” (little further advancement) can cause mid-life crisis or big career changes
  • A big source of personal identity

Calling

  • Fulfilling my sense of purpose and making a meaningful difference
  • Contributing to a greater good that’s bigger than me – a sense of service
  • Aligned with my values and strengths
  • Being (the real me) is more important than ‘doing’ or ‘having’
  • Following my inner voice or what I feel called to do
  • Income and advancement is secondary
  • Time often flies by

Any job can become a career or calling and any career or calling can be become a job. A scientist, physician, or pastor may have initially felt called. But if he or she finds their work has become drudgery, it’s then a job. A production worker or hospitality server may have started in a job and progressed to feeling a calling to make better products, happier people, or the world a little better place.

I have worked hard to make my work a calling. Then it doesn’t feel like work – most days! I’d love to get your thoughts.