2008 Woodie Awards
Turning Passion Into Progress
The Career Coach offers advice for integrating a calling into a work setting.
Marian Cacciatore
Issue date: 10/29/04 Section: Holt News
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In the first article, several key points were highlighted, including the significant elements of a calling. These include:
*Each of us has been given unique gifts and talents. I can begin to integrate my calling daily as I consciously choose how "I use and give my gifts away."
*My calling includes activities that bring me renewed energy and enthusiasm. I lose track of time and can easily become immersed in the activity.
*A true "calling" requires that I have the talent (I need to be good at it!), passion (I must believe its value) and commitment (it is something that I need to do...no matter what!).
*Many people find the pathway to their calling a winding and at times, tedious journey.
In the second article, I encouraged readers to begin a "Calling Journal" where they identify and clarify the elements of their calling. It is not enough to look at a calling in terms of simply a career path. For many of us, we must first identify the essence of the activities that we do well and enjoy.
I ended the last article with a promise to become a roving reporter and interview some of our students regarding this topic. I enjoyed speaking to many of you and noted similar themes woven throughout many of our discussions:
*"My calling is what I was made to do. It doesn't feel like work. I would do it for free if I could."
*"Working within your calling means loving your job. You want to go to work each day. The time goes quickly and you want to be there."
*"It means being able to make a difference and love the work that I do."
I found, however, that I kept returning to my interview notes from one student in particular. Olia '06, is in her first semester at Rollins and responded with enthusiasm when I asked her about how she viewed her calling.
It is so funny to be able to think about what I 'want to do.' I was raised in a communist country where the government dictated your role. When I first came to the United States, I was overwhelmed by all of the choices and the freedom to make the choice. It was very difficult because I never had to think about what I was good at or what I wanted to do.