What is the Difference Between a Job and Our Life’s Work?
July 8, 2009
—The following is an excerpt from Professional Destiny—
“A job is something we do to earn a living. Oftentimes it is too small for our spirit.
Our life’s work is a mighty undertaking that challenges us, taps into our creative energy and reawakens our spirit. It is our work with a capital W. Once we start on the path, the urgency of this work is bigger than us. Our passion and creativity are ignited.
Some people know at a young age what they love to do. Unfortunately they often bury their desire due to conflicting outside influences or a bad experience early on—such as being rejected, humiliated for being different, or having a passion outside of the norm.
Those who recognize their calling early in life and build on it are the lucky ones. Those who gain enough strength or independence to seek a more satisfying path in later life are also lucky. And though they may not feel so fortunate at the time, those compelled to seek change due to sheer discomfort are lucky as well—because despite their own hesitation, events have pushed them in the direction of their true purpose.
Anyone can make a change at any time, whenever they feel strong enough. It may be when they reach a financial level that provides a sense of stability, allowing them to feel free. Or when they’ve reached an emotional point when they’ve had enough time to know who they are, and have enough distance from early influences (parents, teachers, religion) that may have sidetracked them. It might also be when they feel they have met their primary responsibilities after raising children and fulfilling other obligations. Some people reach a point of frustration in which continuing along the same path becomes unbearable, and they finally decide to do something different.
At that point, you decide to engage in your life’s work…”
Please share your perspective: Are you currently in a job, in transition or in your life’s work?
Filed under: Job vs. Career vs. Life's Work
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5 Comments Leave a Comment
1. Melissa Anthony | July 9, 2009 at 9:32 pm
I agree that it is about “strength” when it comes to finding one’s professional destiny. Perhaps the “strength” is about getting over the unknown. Every professional “fails” and falls down, but not knowing when or how is terrifying. For me, I made the leap with my first business and it was scary! Of course I failed, but, looking back, I couldn’t have succeeded the second time without that perspective.
2. iram | July 14, 2009 at 8:48 am
i agree to it and also like this but again i have confusion that what is work and career and what is difference between work, job, career and profession please give me detail about it so i can easy understand about all these. i have same meaning all these words, so please clear my confusion if you describe one by one and given the headings of all these, if its possible
3. professionaldestiny | July 15, 2009 at 11:02 am
Iram – very good question! Since the explanation is a bit long, you have inspired me to write a new blog entry, which I will post very soon. Thanks for your comment.
4. Sirusthegreat | September 8, 2009 at 7:49 am
I have a friend who lives in my home. He is separated from his wife and has two children. He gets up every morning to pray and does volunteer work at the church. He works diligently at the church, but he doesn’t get paid, so he depends on me for everything. Also, he does not have money to pay bills or his personal needs. When i tell him to get a job. He says he works at the church, but doesn’t get paid. In addition, he says he will only work for meat that does not perish, but he uses the resources and eats the food i worked for. He is a true man of God, His whole life is going to church, where sings and plays the piano, but i am confused. Can you give some advice.
5. admin | September 8, 2009 at 8:38 pm
If you are truly practicing your Professional Destiny, you are taking full responsibility for yourself and the choices you make. It doesn’t sound like your friend is doing this. It’s great that he loves to support the church, but he needs to figure out how do it and not burden others who haven’t signed up to support him. If you haven’t agreed to support him through this (which it doesn’t sound like you have) then he’s not living in full integrity by taking advantage of others, no matter how religious he is.
Remember, a profession is exactly that, a profession. You get paid to do it. If not, it’s classified as a hobby or an interest. Sounds like your friend might need to be reminded of this.
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