Is it a job... a career... or a calling?

By Jodie Nevid

I’m half way through the book Flourish by Martin Seligman and if you have an interest in positive psychology, well-being and happiness then you should grab a copy. It’s filled with research and case studies on the benefits of positive psychology as well as plenty of practical step-by-step actions and activities you can complete to increase well-being. It’s like having a paperback therapist on the bedside table!

On page 75 Seligman talks about his calling to positive psychology and shares the differentiators used in sociology to distinguish between a job, a career and a calling.

• A job is for the money – if the money stopped so would you
• A career is about promotion and moving up the ranks – when you reach the top you leave or “become a time-serving husk.”
• A calling is like a mission – you’d do it anyway regardless of the cash or corporate climb. It’s like an intrinsic pull toward a greater purpose.

The difference between the three is interesting to consider, because what we believe we have impacts how we show up each day!

I have had roles as an employee and as a business owner when I have fluctuated between all three in the very same role. When I was a potter and I sat at my wheel making drums – I felt so connected to a purpose I would often look around my studio and think "wow I cant believe this is what I get paid to do" – my work felt like a calling. There were also days tough times when the drum business struggled for cash and I felt like all I had was a really demanding job with long hours and shocking pay! My belief about my role, the degree to which I was using my natural strengths and my alignment with the big picture, or vision and mission is really what made the difference.

If we believe what we're doing has a greater purpose and we access our natural strengths to achievie that purpose we can experience engagement like we truly are pursuing a calling. On the flip side the “just a job” mindset can leave us feeling like the only thing calling is 5.00pm Friday.

If I find myself in a “It’s just a job” mindset I know I need to change, I can’t stay motivated in that frame of mind. When you find a way to do what you love energy and happiness will find you.

Here’s 3 tips to get you out of the “its just a job” head space:

1. Establish a personal vision and mission and connect it to the organisations
2. Get clear on your values and strengths and apply where ever possible
3. Think of your job as training you get paid for. There is bound to be some growth opportunities and skills you can acquire – take the lead on your own personal growth.

The pursuit of a calling might not be for everyone, however changing the way we think has a dramatic impact on how we show up. If you can’t flip your thinking and want to get past the “it’s just a job” mindset then perhaps your calling is somewhere else!