Vocation and Vacation

Vocation comes from the Latin words vocare (to call) and vocatio. To have a vocation is to have a calling – you know that you are very suitable for the work.

Some of us are lucky to find our vocation at a young age. I found my vocation/calling one year after my graduation. I went into consulting and training. It was the right path for me in the next 7 years.

In the Ikigai concept, there is a section called Vocation that is the intersection of “what the world needs” and “what you can be paid for”. I’m not sure it is the complete definition of vocation. In my view, it should include “what you love” and “what you are good at”. Essentially, I think Vocation equals Ikigai.

Nonetheless, you should find your vocation eventually, at least for a stage of your life. You will feel that the ground is firmer when you discover your vocation. You are no longer just doing a job to earn money. You are willing to put your heart into the job.

A vacation is simply a holiday. You take a vacation when you leave work for a certain period. The Latin root word is vacare (to be unoccupied) and vacatio. With our modern digital tools and “always on” mentality, I find it to be difficult to be “unoccupied”.

I took a short vacation on Bintan Island recently. While I enjoyed my non-work time with my wife, my mind was seldom completely unoccupied. There were times when my clients called or there was an urgent email.

I don’t have the habit of delaying work. I find it hard to take a good vacation. But I will keep trying as it is necessary for my mental health and my family.

So, while you are pursuing your vocation, don’t forget your vacations. You need both to live a balanced life. You cannot have one without the other.