Vocation vs. Occupation — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 17, 2024
Vocation implies a calling or strong inclination toward a particular type of work, often associated with personal fulfillment; occupation refers to one's regular employment or profession, primarily for earning a living.
Difference Between Vocation and Occupation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A vocation is typically seen as a deeper, more personal calling towards a particular career or profession, often tied to one's passions or a sense of purpose. Whereas, an occupation is any job or profession that a person undertakes to earn a living, regardless of personal fulfillment.
Vocational pursuits are usually associated with professions that are service-oriented or require a deep personal commitment, such as teaching, medicine, or religious work. On the other hand, occupations can range widely from manual labor jobs to highly skilled professions; they are more about employment than fulfillment.
People often pursue a vocation out of a deep-seated passion or a feeling that it is their life’s work, which can lead to high job satisfaction and personal fulfillment. Conversely, an occupation might not necessarily be fulfilling but is pursued to meet practical needs such as financial stability and security.
In educational settings, vocational training is specifically geared towards preparing individuals for a particular trade or career, often one viewed as a calling. Meanwhile, occupational training might be broader, preparing individuals for a variety of roles within a field or industry.
Recognition and respect can differ; vocations, being associated with personal callings, often garner a high level of respect, especially when they involve altruism or artistic expression. Occupations, while also respected, are generally viewed through the lens of their economic or societal contributions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A calling towards a type of work.
Regular employment or profession.
Focus
Personal fulfillment and passion.
Earning a living.
Examples
Teaching, clergy, medicine.
Engineering, retail, administration.
Educational Training
Specific to a trade or calling.
Broad, various roles in a field.
Social Perception
Often viewed with respect for passion.
Viewed in economic terms.
Compare with Definitions
Vocation
A strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation.
Her vocation as a nurse was evident from her compassionate care.
Occupation
The action of living in or using a building or other place.
During the occupation of the building, safety regulations were strict.
Vocation
A person's employment or main occupation, especially regarded as worthy and requiring dedication.
He followed his vocation as a teacher despite the challenges.
Occupation
A way to pass time or keep oneself engaged.
Reading has always been his favorite occupation.
Vocation
Often associated with a divine call to God’s service or to the Christian life.
She felt a vocation to live an ascetic life.
Occupation
The job or profession that someone does regularly for pay.
His occupation as an accountant kept him busy during tax season.
Vocation
A trade or profession following which one believes they are particularly suited.
Carpentry was his vocation, and he pursued it with zeal.
Occupation
Any activity in which one engages.
Gardening is an occupation that she finds extremely relaxing.
Vocation
A function or station in life to which one is called by God.
His vocation was to be a minister to those in need.
Occupation
The control of a country by a foreign military power.
The occupation affected every aspect of daily life.
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.
Occupation
A job or profession
People in professional occupations
Vocation
A strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation
Not all of us have a vocation to be nurses or doctors
Occupation
The action, state, or period of occupying or being occupied by military force
The Roman occupation of Britain
Vocation
A regular occupation, especially one for which a person is particularly suited or qualified.
Occupation
The action of living in or using a building or other place
A property suitable for occupation by older people
Vocation
An inclination or aptness for a certain kind of work
A vocation for medicine.
Occupation
For the sole use of the occupiers of the land concerned
An occupation bridge
Vocation
(Theology) A calling of an individual by God, especially for a religious career.
Occupation
An activity that serves as one's regular source of livelihood; a vocation.
Vocation
An inclination to undertake a certain kind of work, especially a religious career; often in response to a perceived summons; a calling.
Occupation
An activity engaged in especially as a means of passing time; an avocation.
Vocation
An occupation for which a person is suited, trained or qualified.
Nursing is a vocation, which many people find horrendous.
Occupation
The act or process of holding or possessing a place.
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?
Occupation
The state of being held or possessed.
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.
Occupation
Invasion, conquest, and control of a nation or territory by foreign armed forces.
Vocation
A calling by the will of God.
Occupation
The military government exercising control over an occupied nation or territory.
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.
Occupation
An activity or task with which one occupies oneself; usually specifically the productive activity, service, trade, or craft for which one is regularly paid; a job.
Vocation
A call to special religious work, as to the ministry.
Every member of the same [the Church], in his vocation and ministry.
Occupation
The act, process or state of possessing a place.
Vocation
The particular occupation for which you are trained
Occupation
The control of a country or region by a hostile military and/or paramilitary force.
Vocation
A body of people doing the same kind of work
Occupation
The act or process of occupying or taking possession; actual possession and control; the state of being occupied; a holding or keeping; tenure; use; as, the occupation of lands by a tenant.
Occupation
That which occupies or engages the time and attention.
Occupation
The principal business of one's life; the principal work by which one earns one's livelihood; vocation; employment; profession; calling; trade; avocation; as, these days many people continue to practice their occupation well into their seventies.
Absence of occupation is not rest.
Occupation
The principal activity in your life that you do to earn money;
He's not in my line of business
Occupation
The control of a country by military forces of a foreign power
Occupation
Any activity that occupies a person's attention;
He missed the bell in his occupation with the computer game
Occupation
The act of occupying or taking possession of a building;
Occupation of a building without a certificate of occupancy is illegal
Occupation
The period of time during which a place or position or nation is occupied;
During the German occupation of Paris
Common Curiosities
What is an occupation?
An occupation is a job or profession that a person engages in to earn money, without necessarily involving any personal calling.
How do I know if I have a vocation?
A vocation is often accompanied by a deep sense of passion and purpose towards a certain career, feeling not just like a job but a calling.
What is a vocation?
A vocation is a strong inclination towards a particular profession or type of work, especially one in which someone can fulfill a personal calling.
Is vocational training different from academic education?
Yes, vocational training is more focused on practical skills for specific trades or careers, while academic education may be broader.
What are the benefits of pursuing a vocation?
Pursuing a vocation can lead to greater job satisfaction, personal fulfillment, and a sense of purpose in life.
How important is finding a vocation in life?
While it's not essential for everyone, finding a vocation can greatly enhance personal satisfaction and life fulfillment for many.
What role does passion play in a vocation?
Passion is typically a central element in a vocation, driving individuals to pursue careers they feel deeply about.
Can a job be both a vocation and an occupation?
Yes, if a job fulfills both the financial needs and personal calling of an individual, it can be both a vocation and an occupation.
Can one's vocation change over time?
Yes, as people grow and their interests and circumstances change, what they view as their vocation might also change.
What are typical vocations that people feel called to?
Common vocations include careers like teaching, medicine, clergy, and other roles focused on service and personal passion.
What should I consider when choosing an occupation?
Consider factors like job availability, earnings potential, personal interests, and the required training or education.
Is it possible to turn an occupation into a vocation?
Yes, with enough passion and dedication, many people find that their occupation can evolve into a vocation.
How can I transition from an occupation to a vocation?
Identify your passions and explore careers that align with those interests; further training or education might also be necessary.
Do all vocations require professional training?
While many do, some vocations, particularly those involving creative or humanitarian efforts, may be more about personal commitment and less about formal training.
What is the difference in income between a vocation and an occupation?
Income can vary widely; vocations can sometimes offer less financial reward than occupations, depending on the field and societal value placed on the work.
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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
Maham Liaqat
