Difference between career, job, and vocation?

I'm trying to understand how a career, job, and vocation differ from each other? Do they all mean basically the same thing, or are there specific differences when planning for my future?

I can see where the confusion might come from as these terms are often used interchangeably, but there are differences between them.

A job is essentially the work you do to earn a paycheck. It's a set of regular tasks done for an employer, usually on a full-time or part-time basis. For example, if you work as a cashier at a local grocery store, that is your job.

A career, on the other hand, is a long-term professional journey you might take in your life. Careers tend to involve progression and development over time, often with the goal of achieving mastery in a particular field. Careers also often align more closely with personal interests and goals. For instance, a person might have a career in medicine if they're a physician who started as a medical intern, became a resident, and eventually a practicing doctor.

A vocation is something a little different, it stems from an internal calling towards a particular type of work. This could be due to a personal passion, a deeply-felt commitment to a particular cause, or a sense that the work aligns closely with one's beliefs or values. For example, someone might feel they have a vocation to teach, feeling deeply committed to educating and shaping future generations.

So, in summary: a job is what you do now, a career is what you've done over a long period of time, and a vocation is what you feel called to do.

Good luck as you plan your future – remember, it's okay to pivot, explore different pathways, and make changes along your path!