Calling vs. Vocation — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 13, 2024
Calling is often used to describe a deep, personal sense of duty or purpose, particularly in a job or career, whereas vocation is a term that generally refers to one's occupation, especially regarded as particularly worthy and requiring dedication.
Difference Between Calling and Vocation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A calling is typically seen as a powerful inner urge to pursue a particular path, often associated with altruistic or spiritual goals. On the other hand, a vocation, although sometimes used interchangeably with calling, usually denotes a particular profession or occupation, particularly one for which a person is trained or qualified.
Calling implies a deep emotional and personal connection to one's work, suggesting it is fulfilling a particular purpose in life. In contrast, vocation emphasizes the practical aspects of a career, focusing more on skills and training rather than personal fulfillment.
Individuals might describe their work as a calling when they feel that it significantly aligns with their values and passions. Whereas, they might refer to their work as a vocation when acknowledging the professional and societal role it fulfills.
The concept of calling often carries with it an implication of inevitability or destiny, making it seem like a path one is drawn to, regardless of financial or practical considerations. Vocation, however, often involves a conscious choice, steered by practical considerations such as job availability, income potential, and skills.
While calling can be something that doesn’t necessarily align with one’s current profession, often inspiring voluntary or low-paid engagements, a vocation is typically pursued as a stable career path, providing financial stability and professional identity.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A strong urge towards a particular way of life or career, often with a moral or spiritual aspect.
A particular occupation or career, especially one for which a person is trained.
Focus
Personal fulfillment and purpose.
Professional skills and societal roles.
Motivation
Internal, often emotional or spiritual.
Practical considerations like training, income, and job stability.
Alignment
May not align with professional career; can be non-paying or voluntary.
Typically aligns with professional career paths and is pursued for stability.
Common Usage
More abstract and individual-oriented.
More concrete and related to job markets and education systems.
Compare with Definitions
Calling
A strong inner impulse to a particular course of action, especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influence.
She felt a calling to help children in war-torn countries.
Vocation
A particular occupation, business, or profession; a calling.
He pursued a vocation in plumbing after recognizing his skill in the trade.
Calling
The work or profession someone feels they are destined to do.
Despite his law degree, his calling was in social activism.
Vocation
A strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation.
Not everyone who attends law school has a vocation for legal practice.
Calling
The need or desire to undertake a specific career or occupation, felt as if it is from a higher power.
She believed her calling in life was to be a nurse.
Vocation
The particular occupation for which you are trained.
Her vocation as a teacher was both challenging and rewarding.
Calling
A vocation or profession in which one feels particularly suited or useful.
Teaching was more than a job for her; it was her calling.
Vocation
A summons or strong inclination to a particular state or course of action.
She felt a strong vocation to start her own business.
Calling
An inclination or natural tendency to a particular career or lifestyle.
He had a calling for the arts from a young age.
Vocation
A vocation (from Latin vocatio 'a call, summons') is an occupation to which a person is especially drawn or for which they are suited, trained, or qualified. People can be given information about a new occupation through student orientation.
Calling
An inner urge or a strong impulse, especially one believed to be divinely inspired.
Vocation
A strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation
Not all of us have a vocation to be nurses or doctors
Calling
An occupation, profession, or career.
Vocation
A regular occupation, especially one for which a person is particularly suited or qualified.
Calling
Present participle of call
Vocation
An inclination or aptness for a certain kind of work
A vocation for medicine.
Calling
A strong urge to become religious.
Vocation
(Theology) A calling of an individual by God, especially for a religious career.
Calling
A job or occupation.
Vocation
An inclination to undertake a certain kind of work, especially a religious career; often in response to a perceived summons; a calling.
Calling
The act of one who calls; a crying aloud, esp. in order to summon, or to attact the attention of, some one.
Vocation
An occupation for which a person is suited, trained or qualified.
Nursing is a vocation, which many people find horrendous.
Calling
A summoning or convocation, as of Parliament.
The frequent calling and meeting of Parlaiment.
Vocation
A call; a summons; a citation; especially, a designation or appointment to a particular state, business, or profession.
What can be urged for them who not having the vocation of poverty to scribble, out of mere wantonness make themselves ridiculous?
Calling
A divine summons or invitation; also, the state of being divinely called.
Who hath . . . called us with an holy calling.
Give diligence to make yior calling . . . sure.
Vocation
Destined or appropriate employment; calling; occupation; trade; business; profession.
He would think his service greatly rewarded, if he might obtain by that means to live in the sight of his prince, and yet practice his own chosen vocation.
Calling
A naming, or inviting; a reading over or reciting in order, or a call of names with a view to obtaining an answer, as in legislative bodies.
Vocation
A calling by the will of God.
Calling
One's usual occupation, or employment; vocation; business; trade.
The humble calling of ter female parent.
Vocation
The bestowment of God's distinguishing grace upon a person or nation, by which that person or nation is put in the way of salvation; as, the vocation of the Jews under the old dispensation, and of the Gentiles under the gospel.
Calling
The persons, collectively, engaged in any particular professions or employment.
To impose celibacy on wholy callings.
Vocation
A call to special religious work, as to the ministry.
Every member of the same [the Church], in his vocation and ministry.
Calling
Title; appellation; name.
I am more proud to be Sir Rowland's sonHis youngest son, and would not change that calling.
Vocation
The particular occupation for which you are trained
Calling
The particular occupation for which you are trained
Vocation
A body of people doing the same kind of work
Vocation
A trade or profession following which someone is called.
His vocation was in the culinary arts, where he excelled as a chef.
Common Curiosities
Is it necessary to have a calling?
No, not everyone identifies a specific calling, and many find satisfaction in pursuing various interests and professions without one.
Is a calling always related to professional careers?
No, a calling can relate to any aspect of life, including volunteer work, activism, or other non-professional activities.
Can a vocation also be a calling?
Yes, when a person’s career aligns strongly with their personal values and passions, their vocation can also be considered their calling.
What is the main difference between a calling and a vocation?
A calling is a deep, personal drive to engage in a specific activity, often without regard for monetary gain, while a vocation is a career or occupation that typically involves special training or formal qualification.
How do people identify their calling?
People often identify their calling through a sense of deep personal fulfillment, passion, or a strong desire to serve a particular purpose.
How are callings and vocations perceived in society?
Callings are often viewed with a sense of admiration for the personal commitment they demonstrate, while vocations are respected for their contribution to society and economic stability.
Are callings and vocations mutually exclusive?
No, they can overlap. Many professionals might see their vocation as also their calling, particularly in fields like medicine, education, or the arts.
Can one’s calling change over time?
Yes, as people grow and their interests evolve, what they consider their calling can also change.
Does a vocation provide more stability than a calling?
Typically, yes, since a vocation is often associated with structured training and career paths, it can offer more job security and stability.
What role does education play in finding a vocation?
Education is crucial in training individuals for their vocations, providing the necessary knowledge and skills.
What is more important for job satisfaction: a calling or a vocation?
This varies by individual; some find satisfaction in the structure and stability of a vocation, while others prioritize the fulfillment from following a calling.
How should one decide between following a calling and pursuing a vocation?
The decision often depends on personal values, financial needs, and life circumstances; balancing both is also a viable option for many.
What impact does following a calling have on personal life?
Pursuing a calling can greatly enhance personal satisfaction and sense of purpose but might also involve sacrifices like financial stability.
How does one prepare for a vocation?
Preparing for a vocation generally involves education, training, and gaining specific skills necessary for the profession.
Can someone turn a hobby into a vocation?
Yes, many hobbies can be turned into vocations with the right training and market conditions, such as photography, cooking, or writing.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
