When we choose a vocation, we are essentially answering the urge to follow a specific career. When we are so compelled to undertake a specific type of work we often hear people describe this as a feeling of being destined to do a particular kind of work; or feeling as though they are called to do it by some higher force or spiritual being. It is surprising then that we find ourselves either on the path of knowledge towards the acquisition of skills required for this work that we are often “bored” or “unchallenged” by the work which we are called to do.
The urge to work is driven by a motivation that most people do not take the time to review. If the Theory of Motivation is to be believed, motivation is what drives human beings to want to achieve a goal. If your goal is to find work, then the effort required is immense. You cannot simply arrive at work and begin to do the do. One must train to gain skills that help you do the work. The training process in itself a sequence of instructions set to guide you toward succession. This process is work.
If you are called to work, you have to be willing to learn; and perhaps even shed outmoded beliefs to gain new insight into how work is carried out. A willingness to learn is not simply the enthusiasm thereof, but your capacity to be pliable. You have to have the will to work. Will is determination, resolve, and strength of character.
When you have the desire, together with the resolve, you become a vessel in which knowledge can take up residence. Knowledge is a transcended experience; it changes your very being. Knowledge helps you become. During this process of knowledge-acquisition we find that labour is necessary. You may need to spend copious amounts of hours necessary to build strength of character to become the very thing you desire to be. Labour is effort. Labour is sweat. Labour is mandatory. You cannot achieve without a certain amount of hardship or struggle.
The beauty of work lies in its enjoyment. If you are willing to work, you open yourself up to the idea of delight and gratification. You become gratified by small achievements, and delight in not only the achievement, but in the act work itself. Rest is good. But rest is not satisfying when unwarranted. To enjoy the break you have to have experienced work. Work is gratification in the self-determination.
Not everyone is fortunate to follow this drive towards a vocation. Circumstances may dictate that we work to earn a living, or to provide for the needs of our families. But when you are so blessed with the freedom to determine your own vocation and the opportunity to learn it; you have to work!
Photographer / Mpumelelo Macu
"Labour is effort. Labour is sweat. Labour is mandatory. You cannot achieve without a certain amount of hardship or struggle." - Amen!