Job, Career, or Calling? How to Find Whatâs Right for You
Hey there, Work It DAILY readers! Today I want to discuss the difference between a job, career, and calling. If you're currently searching for work, knowing this difference can give you some direction toward the type of role you want. Iâm going to break down what each of these paths means, the type of person each is suited for, and how you can determine which one you should be pursuing.
The Exercise: Rank Your Priorities
Before we dive into the details, thereâs an exercise I want you to do. First, grab a piece of paper and a pen. Now, I want you to take a moment to think about the eight key areas of your life:
Family
Health
Finances
Social Life
Career
Personal Growth
Hobbies/Leisure
Spirituality
Next, rank these areas from most important to least important. You canât have any ties; you need to be honest with yourself and put them in order. Once you are done, take a second to note where you have placed âcareerâ on the list. Where you have ranked âcareerâ in your priorities will help you determine whether you need a job, career, or calling at this moment in your life.
What Is a Job?
Letâs start with the basics: a job. A job is something you do primarily for a paycheck. Itâs a means to an end, allowing you to support yourself and focus on other aspects of your life that are more important to you. Maybe you have hobbies you love, family responsibilities, or other passions that take precedence over your work life.
If you rank "career" as one of the last two priorities in your lifeâletâs say positions seven or eightâyou probably just need a job. And thatâs completely okay! Thereâs no shame in wanting to punch the clock, do your work, and go home to enjoy the rest of your day. However, keep in mind that focusing on a job rather than a career might limit your opportunities for higher pay and responsibility. But if work isnât your top priority, those things might not matter as much to you.
What Is a Career?
Now, letâs talk about careers. A career is for someone who wants their work to have meaning and purpose. This person finds satisfaction in their job, wants to build their skills, and seeks a sense of accomplishment from their work.
If you find that your career ranks somewhere in the middleâsay positions three, four, five, or sixâyouâre in career territory. You want more than just a paycheck; you want to feel productive and fulfilled in your work. But hereâs the thing: career-focused individuals often struggle with work-life balance because they want to excel at work while also managing other important areas of their lives.
For those in this category, itâs crucial to get crystal clear on your "must-haves," "nice-to-haves," and "donât-wants" in a job. This clarity will help you identify companies that align with your values and goals. Itâs about finding that perfect balance where you can thrive both personally and professionally. At Work It DAILY, we call this process "job shopping," and trust me, itâs a game-changer.
What Is a Calling?
Finally, letâs dive into the concept of a calling. A calling is more than just workâitâs an extension of who you are. Itâs for those who feel that their work is an integral part of their identity and life purpose. People with a calling see their work as something that drives them, excites them, and gives them a deep sense of fulfillment.
If "career" ranks as one of your top two priorities, youâre likely in the calling category. But hereâs the catch: finding your calling requires a lot of introspection and self-discovery. You need to understand your unique value add (UVA), your skills, and the problems youâre passionate about solving. Itâs about finding that sweet spot where your talents meet your passions and make a meaningful impact.
For those who feel drawn to a calling, the journey might be more complex, but the rewards are profound. Youâre not just looking for a jobâyouâre seeking work that resonates deeply with your soul.
Conclusion: Whatâs Your Path?
So, do you need a job, a career, or a calling? Take a moment to reflect on where "career" ranks in your list of life priorities. Once you have insight into what you need, you can tailor your job search to get the results youâre looking for.
If youâre still unsure or need guidance in figuring out your path, why not give our career coaching services a try? We offer a 7-day free trial, so you can see firsthand how we can help you navigate your job search, career development, or pursuit of a calling. Sign up today and start your journey to finding work that truly fits your life.
Youâve got this!
Cassidy OâDonnell
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