What does 'vocation' refer to?

The term 'vocation' primarily refers to a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation. It embodies more than just the means of earning a living; it implies a deep sense of calling or purpose that aligns one's skills, passions, and values with their professional life. This connection between individual aptitude and career choice can make one's work feel more meaningful and fulfilling.

In contrast, other choices present narrower or unrelated concepts. A casual hobby refers typically to leisure activities that do not carry the same weight of career-driven purpose or professional identity, and a temporary position implies a job role that is not intended to be permanent, which does not encapsulate the broader and deeper implications of 'vocation.' Lastly, an obligation denotes a duty or responsibility that might not be linked to one's passion or suitability for work, diverging from the innate sense of purpose conveyed by 'vocation.' Thus, recognizing 'vocation' as a sense of fitness for work encompasses its true significance in a personal and professional context.