Job, Career, or Calling?

As we begin a new year, perhaps it is a good time to reflect on what we are about and what difference it makes in the coming year. Do you consider your profession a job, a career, or a calling?

In Tomorrowmind: Thriving at Work with Resilience, Creativity, and Connection, the authors[i]cite a 1997 study of workplace attitudes by psychologists Amy Wrzesniewski, Clark McCauley, Paul Rozin, and Barry Schwartz that showed that people view their work as either a job, a career, or a calling.

A job is focused on financial rewards and necessity. Jobs are means to the end of enjoying life outside of work. You quit when you find better pay.

A career is focused on professional advancement. Those of us with careers feel pride in our professional accomplishments and elevated social standing. You quit when the promotions stop, or you retire.

A calling is focused on fulfilling work. You feel called to do socially or morally valuable work. You keep at it almost no matter what.

At different times in our lives, we may engage in various models of vocation. There are times when we just need to make a living and hopefully find a job that we can enjoy or at least tolerate! Those who passionately pursue a career live a tenuous existence and often find disappointment at the top of the pile. Those who understand what they do as a calling have a stronger basis to thrive and adapt. When you see what you do as a calling, jobs come and go and careers may even change, but you continue to pursue your calling.

Sometimes I talk with a person who says that they have “left the ministry” to pursue another profession. Often this is in chaplaincy, social service, teaching, not-for-profit leadership, or even a secular role. In reality, this person is often continuing to practice their calling, but in a non-traditional way. Let’s not limit how God may open doors to ministry we have never imagined. God is at work in unexpected places.

In Philippians, Paul writes, “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” (3:12-14, The Message)

We serve a living, dynamic God who continues to challenge us and open our eyes to following God’s call. What new thing does God have for you in this new year?

Prayer: “As we begin a new year, Lord, open our eyes to ways to follow the calling you have shared with us. Empower us to see the possibilities, act in faith, and celebrate your presence in us. Amen.”

[i] Gabriella Rosen Kellerman, Martin E. P. Seligman

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