I’m taking an online course with Seth Godin called “The Bootstrapper’s Workshop” and this was a video for one of the modules I saw that really spoke to me. So many of us want to build or find a ‘job’ let’s us make money while being totally fulfilled….but as we’re navigating the entrepreneurial space it’s important to know WHAT we’re building: is it a hobby, job, career, or vocation? There’s a difference.
Here’s how Liz breaks it down:
Hobby – something you do purely for pleasure – to prove you’re not a robot. The stakes don’t matter. They are zero. No money, no fame. It brings you pleasure.
Job – You have to have a job. The material world and spiritual world don’t have to intersect. Not waiting for someone to save you. It doesn’t have to be awesome – it just has to pay. It’s an exchange. That’s it.
Career – a job you’re passionate about, that you love. You’re willing to sacrifice and put it extra time because you believe in the mission. If you’re in a career you hate, that’s terrible. If you’re in a job you hate, that’s ok. You should LOVE your career. It’s ok to NOT have a career.
Vocation – a calling. A divine invitation. It’s the universe saying ‘I want you to do this thing.’ The highest possible thing you can do. No one can take it from you. No one can give it to you. No one. Sometimes a career may not let you pursue your vocation.
“Writing was a vocation for 7-10 years before it became my job” – Liz Gilbert
So have a hobby, Geta. job, build a career, pursue a vocation…but know which is which and devote your time and energy accordingly.
