vocation

One's true calling

A vocation is work you feel called to do—originally a divine calling to religious life, now any career pursued with a sense of purpose or personal mission: Teaching isn't just a job for her; it's a vocation.

The word implies the work suits your nature or talents.

Vocational training prepares people for specific trades or occupations.

career

profession

Trained occupational field

employment · industry · workplace · credentials · experience · training · skillset · position · role · title

calling

purpose

Reason something exists

life's work · pursuit · aspiration · devotion · commitment · divine · spiritual · discernment · awakening · realization

craft

artisan

Skilled manual tradesperson

workmanship · carpentry · pottery · weaving · tailoring · blacksmithing · joinery · masonry · leatherwork · glassblowing

service

volunteer

Unpaid willing participant

aid · charity · nonprofit · humanitarian · welfare · outreach · activism · counseling · advocacy · missionary

passion

enthusiasm

Intense eager enjoyment

  • zealIntense driving devotion
  • ardorIntense emotional warmth
  • fervorIntense emotional intensity

love · drive · interest · fascination · obsession · yearning · eagerness · fire · heart · burning desire

Categories
Opposites
calling vs. casual pursuit

vocationavocation

Pursuit outside one's profession

hobby · pastime · diversion · amusement · recreation

purposeful work vs. leisure

vocationleisure

Free time for relaxation

entertainment · fun · play · relaxation · idle time

employment vs. lack of occupation

vocationunemployment

Being without paid work

joblessness · purposelessness · idleness · aimlessness · directionlessness

Phrases
Family

avocation, vocational, vocative, vocations, vocationally, avocational

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G