Difference between Vocation and Occupation

Although for many the distinction seems obvious, there are a great number of people who are confused about what the difference is between occupation and vocation; since both terms are related when referring to the work done by a person in order to earn a living.  Difference between Vocation and Occupation

Despite the confusion and misunderstandings, one thing is important to know, and that is that these concepts do not describe the same thing.

If you have doubts about it or just want a little more information , keep reading, because below we will explain the difference between occupation and vocation.

VOCATION  Difference between Vocation and Occupation

This word that derives from Latin means “spiritual calling” and it is not for less, since when we talk about the vocation that someone has we are referring to what someone is suitable for or what their inclinations are in terms of work or profession.

When a person does a job by vocation, they feel naturally interested and happy with what they do, they do not need any kind of extrinsic motivation to do things well, all interest comes from within.

OCCUPATION

On the other hand, the term occupation refers specifically to the work or activity that a person does; in this sense, the fact of whether the person finds it pleasant or not to do what he does is not taken into account.

Unlike vocation, which is frequently used in the workplace and also academically, the term occupation is almost always used in the first area mentioned above; although in some cases it is said, for example, that being a student is an occupation.

Finally, some fairly typical occupations are: driver, teacher, gardener, lawyer, dentist, doctor, carpenter, and janitor. For each of these and others it is possible that it is said that someone has or does not have a vocation.