The Job vs. Vocation Equation

Can they be connected?

I was recently talking about work and how the pandemic has affected many people's current job situation and prospects (who doesn't talk about that anyway these days?!), when the attention turned to the profession of acting. It was pointed out to me that even when not actively working on some project, sometimes even for years, most of those in this industry, when asked what they do for a living, will always answer "I'm an Actor!". Whereas, as I reflected, other professionals would just say they're unemployed, even if they've been a mechanic all their life and now for some reason they were not working as one anymore. Without falling for the classic generalisation mistake, it is quite common that some professions are considered vocational per se, perhaps because of the difficulties for example an actor has to deal with when it comes down to competition, or low/no pay in order to kick start that career and establish themselves, or the romanticised concept that they are doing something that makes other people dream, think, escape.

But what is the different between Job and Vocation, when it comes to work?

Of course not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to do what they really love and are good at, and make a living out of it, but we are also somehow conditioned to think that for example being a bus driver cannot possibly be someone's life vocation, yet they may very well be experiencing the same challenges an actor faces, and be providing different but just as important services and benefits to others. I for one have sometimes fallen into the trap of labelling as impossible or insincere someone's statement that THAT career they want to purse is a true calling, only because of preconceptions, assumptions and even unspoken social stigma.

There is clearly a combination of factors that would have to come into play simultaneously to allow one's true purpose to become a job but very often we are not looking deeply into ourselves to realise how much of our passions are already expressing and coming through in our daily jobs. If you're a great speaker, you may never be able to become a worldwide known motivational orator, but you could apply your skill and passion at that becoming the person at work, any work, that is a good listener and has a talent for analising and advising other with any objective view of things ans situations. And be just as good and fulfilled by that in a less idolised position then a celebrity could have on a stage or on a screen.

For me it has become more and more evident throughout the years that I have an innate desire to assist others with what they cannot do for lack of time, will or knowledge. And I was lucky enough to be able to make that passion a job that not only "pays the bills" but also gives me great satisfaction and purpose by offering services that make other people's lives easier, sometimes even with the smallest of tasks.

Of course there are days when energy may be running a little low, or something really isn't as pleasant a chore as many others, but not once have I considered a different career, and that's probably the main clue that what I do I do because I don't just work as a Personal Assistant: I AM A Personal Assistant!

I feel equally fulfilled and true to myself helping a client apply for their EU Settled Status, as I do dropping off something at a friend's doorstep unexpectedly because they didn't have time to go to the shops or didn't know of an amazing new item I came across at the supermarket the other day..

Clearly, this doesn't mean that that's all I am; identifying only and totally with your job can be dangerous and lead to limiting your very own self - which is much more than what one does for a living, even when it's a passion! Imagine not being able to do what you love for a period of time, or indefinitely: if that is all you think of yourself as, it might really get you down a spiral of dissatisfaction, frustration and depression. As I was saying before, knowing that we are not only what we do, yet we love what we do and can apply our best qualities into it, is the greatest motivation that brings new ideas, perspective and drive, and that will eventually make you succeed again at your job, even if in new unexpected ways, or lead you to pursue another career where you can equally express your strenghts, knowledge and passion.

We are still living in undeniably unstable times and having a job, especially if your livelihood depends on it, is the norm for most people. But are you grateful for the opportunities you are given, are you making sure that what you do you do well even if it's not your dream job but you can use for example the same funny and uplifting way to talk to people to make it pleasant, not just for others but for yourself too?

(shout out to the guy at the Royal Mail depot in Streatham on a Saturday morning at 8am who with his radiant personality has made the day of all those queueing in the foggy cold, truly bright!)

Just a few thoughts and self reflections I just wanted to share with you all, ahead of this month's International Day of Happiness.

So, the question now is obvious and in order:

what is your Vocation? and how are you making it (your) work?..

Silvia x