Vocation comes from the Latin word, vocare, meaning “call” or “calling,” and this is why it is commonly used when referring to careers such as those in health, education or even the priesthood! People entering these vocational professions often feel as though it is their calling to help people, teach people or even to serve. These careers come with specific training and learning of specialist knowledge and possibly some element of practical “hands on” work such as clinical training within a healthcare setting.
When people enter these professions there is a strong attraction and an expectation that they will be in this role for all their working lives, they have after all been “called!” No doubt many do indeed see out their entire careers in a vocational setting and thank goodness for them. However, some people fall out of love with their vocation. For these people it can cause real turmoil from within and indeed from those closest to them.
Given that most people will have chosen this vocational route in their mid-teens, if not earlier, it is hardly surprising that in their mid-30’s to 40s that they may want a change. And yet there can be such stigma attached to this “desertion.” Feelings of guilt, accusations of abandonment and letting the side down are common, especially if there is talk of leaving an already failing healthcare or education system!
People change! The passions and love that we have in our teenage and young adult life are likely to change as we grow and age! A consequence of this may be that we no longer want to pursue the same career choice and that IS OK! We should not be made to feel ashamed or that we are abandoning a sinking ship. It is better to enjoy work rather than be disengaged, uninterested and lethargic and this is when incidents may even occur. At this point would it not be better to encourage a team member to look at different avenues rather than point the finger? These are generally caring professions!
Just because we start our careers full of enthusiasm, passion and drive it doesn’t mean that 10,15 or even 20 years down the line we will still want to be doing the same thing. There is time! There are options! If you know someone who feels like this, support them, speak with them and see them through it. Maybe it is just a bad day or maybe it is time to hang up the scrubs and look forward to the next adventure and a new calling!
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