Vocation
n.hopeful, thoughtfulwarm
What it means
Work that strongly suits a person's abilities and purpose.
Reach for it when describing work experienced as a deeply fitting purpose or calling
Teaching became a vocation that united her patience and curiosity.
Choose between these
7- everyday
career
long-term progression through work matters
not when Career emphasizes advancement rather than service.
- warm
calling
inner purpose draws someone toward the work
not when Calling may introduce a religious frame.
- warm
mission
a cause gives the effort moral direction
not when Mission can encourage overwork or certainty.
- professional
developed skill and practice define the work
not when Craft can be meaningful without being one's vocation.
- professional
profession
trained paid work is the relevant fact
not when A profession need not feel personally meaningful.
- formal
occupation
neutral employment category is needed
not when Occupation carries no claim of fit or purpose.
- literary
life's work
decades of purpose deserve reflective praise
not when Life's work is retrospective and grand.
Said against
3- drudgery
- idleness
- misfit
It naturally appears in
3- find a vocation
Many find a vocation in teaching adults to read.
- sense of vocation
A strong sense of vocation sustained him through routine paperwork.
- chosen vocation
Her chosen vocation joined engineering with public service.
Usage notes
Vocation should not be used to justify poor pay, unsafe conditions, or limitless personal sacrifice.