What It Means To Be Human: Vocation
A couple days ago while feeding my habit of doom scrolling, I came across a question, “who are you outside your day job?” This is a question that materialized in my mind back in my days at university. In my interactions with different people in, either social, academic or religious circles, I learned that many people had their jobs as an anchor. One that kept them grounded to the stability of mind. Then I came across a different concept, that of vocation. Of the many definitions that sprung upon my search, my understanding is that this is when you earn from your hobby. A hobby is something that you enjoy doing, not really obligated to carry out. Now, imagine earning an income from that. For some, they don’t have to imagine it, that’s their reality.
It took me a while, but I finally grasped it; we live in a capitalistic world. From a young age, we are taught, both actively and passively, what is expected of us at a certain age. The sense of accomplishment we derive from meeting society’s expectations is what drives most people into certain careers. As long as they find they can ace a certain task, they begin to feel as though they belong. But, it’s only a matter of time before they begin to feel it within themselves that they are far from home. Sadly, this can only be concealed for a short while before they underperform, have rude outbursts towards colleagues and clients, sulk at home towards their families.
We are still in the month of Mental Health Awareness. We spend so much time at our places of work. This has an undeniable effect on the state of our minds. It determines how we relate to our friends and families. This is why we should seriously watch our moods as we leave the office. What environment are we creating for our loved ones at home? How is our mental state affecting the mental states of those around us?
If we consider how much time we spend at work, we cannot escape the fact that if we are unfulfilled at the office, this will trickle down to other spheres of our lives. Being unfulfilled comes from a feeling of inadequacy, the feeling of inadequacy comes from self-doubt. Self-doubt comes from several sources, one noticing a drop in their productivity, a drop in their motivation, being side-lined by colleagues or supervisors. All this begins once a person feels as though they don’t belong. Our inner selves will always have a huge spotlight showing us where we ought to be. We might fight it for a while, but eventually, the cracks begin to show.
One’s vocation will always provide an escape from the trials of reality. We all have talents in us, working with numbers, healing, building, designing, fixing, innovating, character judgment, writing, philanthropy, singing, participating in sport, the list is long. We can always be sure that humanity is always in great need of any of these talents. We have been purposely placed on this world, not just to exist as clogs in a monochromatic system, but to leave a mural of our own unique colors in everything we touch. This can only be achieved if we find that which makes our essence glow with bliss.
“Where your talents and the needs of the world cross; there lies your vocation.”
-Aristotle-
In the interactions I have had with others, what has been identified is that the problem is at the root. Where we begin as children in our journey of education. Certain professions are given very little regard because of their nature and level of income, even when they are vital. By listening and observing those around them, children learn which professions are given importance. From this, they begin to set their eyes on professions that will earn them the public’s respect, at the expense of their talent. This creates a pool of employees without passion for what they do; spilling laissez-faire attitudes on all they do. It’s all for the money.
We need to teach them young to embrace their talents. Let them know that working with their hands and getting dirt under the nails is a valid career. Even if it’s a profession that doesn’t require formal wear, it is important because it contributes an important part to the smooth running of our society. May we be the ones to usher in a generation of people who wake up every morning looking forward to another day participating in their vocation.
In the words of Greek philosopher and polymath, Aristotle, “where your talents and the needs of the world cross; there lies your vocation.” As you read this, I am sure you can think of one activity that you have shelved. One that brought you so much joy whenever you performed it. I can assure you now, the world needs it. You are an important piece of this puzzling world we find ourselves in. The dragging feeling that overwhelms you is what comes with being a misplaced puzzle piece. Find time to feed your soul, create that painting, carve that statue, learn that instrument, write that book, build that engine, start that garden, hike that mountain, take those photos. You will appreciate how your aura will be one of bliss.
