Differences between vocation, career, and job?

I've been reading up on college majors and future plans, and I'm confused about the terms vocation, career, and job. How are they different, and should I be thinking about all three as I plan for the future?

Indeed, the terms "vocation," "career," and "job" are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct connotations in the context of education, training, and employment.

A "job" is typically a specific position of employment within a company or organization where you trade your skills, abilities, and time for a wage or salary. For example, being a cashier at a grocery store, a software developer at a tech firm, or a teacher at a local high school all qualify as jobs. They have defined responsibilities, hours, and often a set wage or salary.

On the other hand, a "career" usually refers to a longer-term professional journey that builds upon accumulated skills, experiences, and progression in a specific field. A career encompasses multiple jobs over time, often within the same industry or profession. It reflects a sense of direction and progression in one's professional life. For instance, if someone starts as a junior engineer, then moves on to a senior engineer position and ultimately becomes a project manager in the engineering division, all of these jobs together form a career in engineering.

But "vocation" is something slightly different. A vocation is typically regarded as a calling or life’s work, in which the emphasis is more on fulfillment and purpose rather than just compensation. It frequently involves a strong passion, innate aptitude, or deep commitment to a certain type of work, sometimes irrespective of the monetary reward associated with it. A vocation could be teaching, nursing, painting, writing, or social work, among many others, where the primary motivation is often the love of the work and the satisfaction derived from it.

While planning for the future, it's helpful to consider all three elements. Jobs give you experience and help pay the bills. Careers provide direction and long-term professional goals. And vocations can give your work a sense of meaning and purpose beyond just a paycheck. The most fulfilling paths often occur when your job, career, and vocation align. Let's say you have a knack for mathematics, enjoy problem-solving, and derive immense satisfaction from using technologies to create solutions. In this case, carving a career as a software developer may weave together your job, career, and vocation.

However, these intersections don't always happen immediately, so don't worry if you're just starting off! As you gather experience, you'll have more clarity. Always remember that these concepts evolve as you grow, explore, learn, and gain a greater understanding of your skills, passions, and the opportunities around you.