How Do I Find a Vocation and Not Just a Job?

I'm trying to figure out what I want to do after high school, and I'm aiming for something more meaningful than just a job. How can I find a vocation that suits my interests and passions? Any advice?

Finding a vocation rather than just a job is a worthwhile endeavor, as it aligns work with personal passion and purpose. Three main strategies can serve as a guideline to helping you find a fulfilling career path:

1. Self-Assessment: Begin by understanding who you are, what excites you, what challenges you, and what skills you possess. Think about the things that fuel your passion and the areas where your skills and talents lie. Reflect on subjects you enjoy in school, activities you participate in, and the feedback from teachers, family, and friends.

2. Explore Different Fields: Investigate various industries and career paths to determine which ones align with your self-assessment. This could involve researching careers online, speaking with people who are currently in the fields that you're interested in, or gaining experience through internships, job shadowing, volunteering, or part-time jobs. While exploring, don't shy away from non-traditional paths or interdisciplinary fields; they often offer a unique blend of interests and skills.

3. Create a Career Plan: Based on your self-assessment and exploration, create a roadmap for the vocation that suits you. This plan might include potential college majors or post-secondary education plans, skills you should focus on developing, and steps to obtain relevant work or volunteer experience.

For example, if in your self-assessment you realize you have a passion for helping people and are good at science, this might lead you to consider a career in the healthcare field. Exploring different professions within healthcare, you might shadow a nurse, volunteer at a clinic, or interview a physician to gauge what suits you best. With this information, you can then create a career plan that might include studying biology in college, seeking out internships at hospitals, or anything else that will bring you closer to your vocation.

It's important to remember that career paths are not always linear or predictable. Stay flexible and open to new opportunities while following your passions and interests. Being proactive about your career journey will increase the likelihood of landing a vocation that feels less like a job and more like a calling. Good luck!