Purpose vs. Vocation — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 10, 2024
Purpose is a guiding motivation or reason for existence, while vocation is a person's occupation or career, often implying a strong calling toward that work.
Difference Between Purpose and Vocation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Purpose refers to the overarching reason or intent behind an individual's actions or life's work. It gives direction and meaning, serving as a guiding star for personal or professional goals, whereas vocation is more specific, denoting a person's career or occupation that aligns with their innate skills and interests.
Purpose can be broad and encompass multiple areas of life, shaping how one approaches relationships, hobbies, and careers. In contrast, vocation is narrower, focusing on the role or occupation one is drawn to and excels in.
Purpose is often intrinsic and personal, influenced by one's values, beliefs, and aspirations. Vocation, on the other hand, is usually recognized externally, characterized by one's profession or job that is fulfilling.
People may discover their purpose at various life stages, and it can evolve, influencing different paths and pursuits. Meanwhile, vocation tends to be more stable, providing a consistent career trajectory.
Pursuing purpose may lead individuals to consider non-career goals such as volunteering or creative projects, while vocation specifically denotes a professional calling where one can apply their skills.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Guiding motivation or reason for existence
Career or occupation based on a calling
Scope
Broad, influencing multiple life aspects
Narrow, focused on specific work or field
Intrinsic/Extrinsic
Intrinsic, personal
Extrinsic, recognized through occupation
Stability
Evolves and changes
Stable, offers a career path
Application
Applies to life goals
Applies specifically to career
Compare with Definitions
Purpose
Intent or goal.
He sets goals with a clear purpose.
Vocation
A strong inclination toward a career.
He felt a vocation for teaching since childhood.
Purpose
The reason for which something is done.
The purpose of this project is to reduce waste.
Vocation
Lifelong career choice.
He pursued his vocation in engineering with passion.
Purpose
The motivating factor behind actions.
Her purpose is to inspire the next generation.
Vocation
A person's occupation or profession.
She found her vocation in nursing.
Purpose
Overall aim or significance.
The purpose of life varies for everyone.
Vocation
A calling that aligns with one's skills.
His vocation as a chef is perfect for his creativity.
Purpose
Determination in achieving an aim.
They moved forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
Vocation
A job that feels meaningful or fulfilling.
Her vocation in social work brought her satisfaction.
Purpose
The object toward which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or goal
Her purpose in coming here is to talk to you. The purpose of an airliner is to transport people.
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.
Purpose
Determination; resolution
He was a man of purpose.
Vocation
A strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation
Not all of us have a vocation to be nurses or doctors
Purpose
To intend or resolve
"the gap between what is said and what is purposed" (Ian Donaldson).
Vocation
A regular occupation, especially one for which a person is particularly suited or qualified.
Purpose
The end for which something is done, is made or exists.
What is the purpose of your visit?
My purpose in coming to Egypt was simply to take it en route to the desert.
It has been my purpose to illustrate rather than to explain.
The exceptionally small gate-leg table served the purpose of a tea table admirably.
The purpose of the device is to prevent the breechblock from opening accidentally should the gun be held barrel down.
The purpose of this letter is to set the record straight.
The purpose of this book is to study the interrelationship of government and religion.
The device can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
The purpose of turning off the lights overnight is to save energy.
Vocation
An inclination or aptness for a certain kind of work
A vocation for medicine.
Purpose
Function, role.
Vocation
(Theology) A calling of an individual by God, especially for a religious career.
Purpose
(Sense of having a) meaning for existing or doing something.
Vocation
An inclination to undertake a certain kind of work, especially a religious career; often in response to a perceived summons; a calling.
Purpose
Resolution; determination.
Vocation
An occupation for which a person is suited, trained or qualified.
Nursing is a vocation, which many people find horrendous.
Purpose
(obsolete) The subject of discourse; the point at issue.
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?
Purpose
(transitive) To have or set as one's purpose or aim; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.
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.
Purpose
(intransitive) To have (an) intention, purpose, or design; to intend; to mean.
Vocation
A calling by the will of God.
Purpose
To discourse.
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.
Purpose
That which a person sets before himself as an object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view is directed in any plan, measure, or exertion; view; aim; design; intention; plan.
He will his firste purpos modify.
As my eternal purpose hath decreed.
The flighty purpose never is o'ertookUnless the deed go with it.
Vocation
A call to special religious work, as to the ministry.
Every member of the same [the Church], in his vocation and ministry.
Purpose
Proposal to another; discourse.
Vocation
The particular occupation for which you are trained
Purpose
Instance; example.
Vocation
A body of people doing the same kind of work
Purpose
To set forth; to bring forward.
Purpose
To propose, as an aim, to one's self; to determine upon, as some end or object to be accomplished; to intend; to design; to resolve; - often followed by an infinitive or dependent clause.
Did nothing purpose against the state.
I purpose to write the history of England from the accession of King James the Second down to a time which is within the memory of men still living.
Purpose
To have a purpose or intention; to discourse.
Purpose
An anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions;
His intent was to provide a new translation
Good intentions are not enough
It was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
He made no secret of his designs
Purpose
What something is used for;
The function of an auger is to bore holes
Ballet is beautiful but what use is it?
Purpose
The quality of being determined to do or achieve something;
His determination showed in his every movement
He is a man of purpose
Purpose
Propose or intend;
I aim to arrive at noon
Purpose
Reach a decision;
He resolved never to drink again
Common Curiosities
Can one's purpose influence their vocation?
Yes, a strong purpose can guide career decisions and align with one's chosen vocation.
Can purpose change over time?
Yes, a person's purpose can evolve as they grow and their life circumstances change.
How does vocation affect job satisfaction?
Vocation often leads to high job satisfaction due to alignment with personal interests.
Can a vocation include non-career work?
Typically, vocation refers to a career, but it can also include volunteer work if it's a calling.
Do purpose and vocation always align?
Ideally, they align, but sometimes practical factors may affect one's chosen career.
What is the main difference between purpose and vocation?
Purpose is a broader motivation for life, while vocation is a specific occupation based on a calling.
Can a person have multiple purposes?
Yes, people often have several purposes shaping different aspects of their lives.
Is vocation always aligned with a person's purpose?
Not necessarily; some may find their vocation unrelated to their broader purpose.
Is a vocation necessarily lifelong?
While it's often a long-term career, one can switch vocations if interests change.
Is purpose always related to a career?
No, purpose can be personal, spiritual, or focus on other life aspects like family.
How does one discover their purpose?
Through reflection on their values, interests, and experiences over time.
Is it possible to pursue a purpose outside a vocation?
Yes, people often pursue their purpose through hobbies, family, or volunteering.
Can a person find a vocation without a strong calling?
Yes, people can excel in occupations they choose pragmatically rather than from passion.
Can a vocation be discovered later in life?
Yes, many people find their true vocation after working in unrelated fields.
What is an example of a vocation?
A vocation can be teaching if someone feels deeply drawn to educate and inspire.
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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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
