Work requires people to use certain skillsets they have in exchange for earning an income. For some people, going to work can be associated with feelings of dread, stress, anxiety or even fear. Some see work as a means to an end – the work has no value but the end goal is simply to earn enough money.
However, there are some occupations or jobs that people regard as ‘vocation’ or a ‘calling’. The Cambridge Dictionary defines vocation as “a type of work that you feel you are suited to doing and to which you should give all your time and energy, or the feeling that a type of work suits you”. When people discover their true vocation, they feel a sense of purpose and achievement when they are working. If someone has found their calling, they can still feel stressed out or drained of energy. But they are able to experience fulfilment and feel more optimistic about work
Here are some examples of occupations that is commonly regarded as ‘a calling’:
- Educators
The Ministry of Education website states that “Teaching is a calling; it is about touching lives. Many teachers go beyond their call of duty and go the extra mile for their students.”
Teachers’ Pledge
We, the teachers of Singapore, pledge that:
- We will be true to our mission to bring out the best in our students.
- We will be exemplary in the discharge of our duties and responsibilities.
- We will guide our students to be good and useful citizens of Singapore.
- We will continue to learn and pass on the love of learning to our students.
- We will win the trust, support and co-operation of parents and the community so as to enable us to achieve our mission.
From the pledge, we know that teachers do more than just imparting knowledge and preparing students for examinations. They are dedicated to develop students to their fullest potential and help them to be equipped with skills necessary in the workforce.
The Academy of Singapore Teachers (AST) states that teachers play a key role in nurturing our children as they lead, care for and inspire future generations of young Singaporeans. They have a profound and lasting influence on the lives of the students they teach. Hence, they need to keep to the highest standards and ideals of the profession.
Other than primary or secondary school teachers, early childhood educators also play an important role in shaping society.
Both screenshots taken from: https://www.ecda.gov.sg/shapeourtomorrow/Pages/WhyPage.aspx
If you agree with some of the statements above, visit the website to find out more: https://www.ecda.gov.sg/shapeourtomorrow/Pages/WhyPage.aspx
Reflection questions:
A. Do you think teaching is a challenging job?
B. Would you want to be a teacher or educator in the future? Why or why not?
C. Interview with your teachers and ask them why they chose teaching as their career.
2. Healthcare professionals
In the healthcare industry, there are medical professionals (for example, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, therapists etc.) who assist patients of all ages, and they have to adhere to code of conduct, exhibit professional values and to show respect for patients’ needs, values and rights.
Fully registered medical practitioners in Singapore are to recite the oath of the Physician’s Pledge. The Singapore Medical Council (SMC) Physician’s Pledge is an adaptation from the Hippocratic Oath and the Declaration of Geneva. The affirmation of the Pledge highlights that doctors must uphold high professional and ethical standards as they embark on their careers as registered medical practitioners.
During this time of pandemic, healthcare workers are at the frontline fighting the pandemic. World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that between 80,000 and
180,000 health and care workers could have died from COVID-19 in the period between January 2020 to May 2021, converging to a medium scenario of 115 500 deaths. These healthcare workers have selflessly sacrificed their lives when caring for ill patients. Their deaths have left an irreplaceable gap in the lives of their loved ones and in the medical world.
Reflection questions:
- How would you describe your encounters with healthcare professionals?
- How is society treating healthcare professionals? With respect? Or with a sense of entitlement?
- Would you want to be in the healthcare industry? Why or why not?
Other than the education and healthcare sectors, there are many people who have found their vocation in other areas. People may find a great sense of achievement in tidying and cleaning houses (eg, Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo), cooking for others, creating art, being a hair stylist, providing consultancy services etc… All these can all be considered a vocation when people are consciously using their strengths to help others, to contribute to society and to make the world a better place.
How can you find out what is your vocation?
Your personality, strengths and interests play a part in helping you find out your true calling. It might take time to find out what you prefer because as you grow, your preferences may change. Therefore, it is good to explore different types of work so that you can discover hidden talents, strengths and interests!
Is passion or money more important to you?
Sources:
- https://www.moe.gov.sg/education-in-sg/our-teachers
- https://academyofsingaporeteachers.moe.edu.sg/professional-excellence/ethos-of-the-teaching-profession
- https://www.healthprofessionals.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider2/publications-newsroom/smc-newsletters/dec-2020/7-smc-physician-s-pledge-affirmation-ceremony-2020—15thed.pdf
- https://www.who.int/news/item/20-10-2021-health-and-care-worker-deaths-during-covid-19
- https://www.facebook.com/ourgrandfatherstory/photos/pcb.4055932907839513/4055920601174077/
