Growing-up I did not have medical aid, so when I was sick it meant going to a government clinic or hospital. I remember this one time I had a really bad eye infection. I was doing my honours in Industrial Sociology. The biggest mark for our year was to do a dissertation. This was over 20 years ago. We still relied on books and journals – physical journals nothing online yet. I use to spend hours at the library and afterwards my nights would be at the computer lab typing up my dissertation. It paid off at the end, I obtained the highest. I even got to present my research at an international conference.
But the process took its toll on my body. My one eye was so bad it was swollen shut. It looked like I was in a fight with a boxer. I needed to get medical attention. I remember sitting for hours at a local government hospital waiting to be seen. I remember how when it was 10:00 am the nurses took their break which they referred to as “tea time”. During their “tea time” whenever they would pass our way they would hide their faces with a file so that we don’t ask “when I we see the doctor”. I was eventually attended to.
I remember regarded these nurses with disdain. I felt like nursing is a calling and they were not supposed to be nurses. It was just a job to them. I felt like if Florence Nightingale knew how heartless they were, she’d be rolling in her grave. I felt so justified in my judgment. But I know now how wrong I was. Fast forward years later I ask myself; how come being a nurse is a calling? What if we all did our jobs and saw them as a calling. How would that play out?
This is what I found, there is a difference between a : Job, Career, and Calling
In our professional journeys, we often hear the terms job, career, and calling. While they are sometimes used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and implications for our work lives and personal fulfillment.
A Job: This is a role you perform to earn money. It’s often task-oriented and may not necessarily align with your passions or long-term goals. A job provides financial stability but might not offer a sense of deep satisfaction.
A Career: This is a series of connected employment opportunities, where you build up skills at jobs over time. A career is about growth, progress, and long-term goals. It often aligns more closely with your personal interests and ambitions, offering a sense of achievement and development.
A Calling: This is work that is deeply fulfilling and aligns with your passions and values. It’s not just about financial gain or career advancement, but about finding meaning and purpose in what you do. A calling often feels like a mission or a profound contribution to the world.
Turning Your Job into a Calling:
- Identify Your Passion: Reflect on what excites and motivates you. What activities make you lose track of time? Understanding your passions is the first step to finding fulfillment in your work.
- Align Your Values: Consider what matters most to you. Whether it’s helping others, creativity, or innovation, aligning your job with your core values can transform your experience.
- Seek Growth Opportunities: Look for ways to expand your role. This could mean taking on new projects, learning new skills, or finding a mentor. Growth can turn routine tasks into opportunities for development.
- Build Connections: Engage with colleagues and network within your industry. Building strong relationships can create a supportive environment and open doors to new possibilities.
- Focus on Impact: Shift your perspective from task completion to the impact of your work. How does your role contribute to the bigger picture? Finding meaning in your contributions can enhance your sense of purpose.
- Cultivate a Positive Mindset: Embrace a growth mindset and stay open to new experiences. Positivity and resilience can help you navigate challenges and find joy in your work.
Turning a job into a calling is a journey. It requires self-reflection, proactive steps, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. By aligning your work with your passions and values, you can find deeper fulfillment and make a meaningful impact.
