Vocation

Vocation is a term that refers to a person's occupation or profession, especially when viewed as a guiding purpose or calling rather than as a mere job. It can denote the work one feels drawn to and expects to pursue over a lifetime.

The word derives from Latin vocatio, "a calling", from vocare, "to call". Historically, in religious contexts, a vocation is a divine summons to serve, often in religious life or ordained ministry. In secular use, it broadens to denote any occupation that aligns with one's talents, interests, and values and that provides a sense of meaning.

In sociology and psychology, vocation is studied as a combination of individual predispositions and social opportunity. Vocational guidance or counseling helps people explore interests, aptitudes, and labor market options, aiming to match people with suitable occupations. Vocational education emphasizes training for skilled trades and professions.

Vocation is distinct from occupation or career. An occupation is the work a person does; a career is the long-term progression in a chosen field. A vocation implies a sense of purpose or mission that informs career choice and life decisions, though in everyday language the terms are often used loosely as synonyms for one's job.

Related terms include calling, the sense of purpose guiding life choices; vocational psychology, the field studying career development; and vocational education and training, programs designed to teach practical skills for specific trades.