How Do You Balance a Vocation with an Avocation?
A vocation is usually used in reference to a trade or profession or a line of work that requires great dedication - significant training, education and effort to pursue. Sometimes it also is related to a line of work that has deeper significance like a “calling” to a particular way of life or course of action which could be being a religious professional (priest, minister, rabbi), social activist, therapist or other line of work where the pay is sometimes low, hours are long, but the intrinsic rewards are high.
It could also refer to doctors or nurses where the pay would typically be higher, and the effort to attain the professional credentials is high. “Callings” tap into someone’s motivation and drive in significant ways. They are not just a job and often become a significant part of someone’s identity – “I am a doctor; I am a minister; I am …”
An “Avocation” is a hobby or other activity that one pursues in addition to their “day job.” It’s particularly used to refer to something that is someone’s “true” passion. Often times the avocation is in a field that might be difficult to earn a living at like the arts – music, dance, painting – but could be something like racing cars.
Personally, I have always been a multi-hyphenate – someone who has several professional skills and credentials. For me, it’s coach-consultant-teacher-therapist-yoga instructor. Some of those skills I am actually practicing (coach-consultant-teacher-yoga instructor) and others (therapist) I do not have active credentials in, but the training, experience and overall background shaped me, and informs the lens through which I practice the active professional pursuits.
We are all multi-dimensional creatures, and some of us need more diversity of activity to stay engaged, contributing at our best. I am eternally interested in what drives successful people and how they leverage their multiple talents in pursuit of making meaningful contributions in their work and lives.
Last month, I interviewed Robert Markowitz about how he changed his Avocation to become his Vocation, moving from practicing law to being a clown and then musician and children’s entertainer.
This month, I interviewed Dr. Adam Berk, a physician and gifted musician on how his medicine (chosen profession) informs his passion/avocation - music; and how his music informs how he practices medicine. In full disclosure, Adam is a friend, and my husband and I have danced to his band’s music many times. I’m told Adam is also a caring, competent physician and has loyal patients for many years. I really know him as a talented, passionate musician that can really move a crowd.
Reflection Questions
How do you create a whole life that feeds you, and where you can best contribute to your greatest potential, elevating the world around you? When you have a demanding career, how do you find time to pursue interests that you are passionate about outside your work? What kind of activities really fill you up, giving you those intangible rewards and energy? What would you gladly do for free? How far away are these passionate pursuit(s) from your “day job”? Given this reflection, does anything need adjusting to ensure you are filling your cup, staying motivated and engaged in life and with your work?
We’d love to hear any thoughts, reactions or questions.
Suze Shaner is an executive coach and leadership & organization effectiveness consultant. She also teaches yoga and meditation – tools to keep one sane in uncertain times. She helps professionals step up to their fullest leadership, life and growth potential. At times this means getting out of their own way in getting important stuff accomplished. www.sagelead.com.