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Vocation
02/24/10 14:35 , Categories: Uncategorized Lately I have been spending considerable time - quite possibly altogether too much! - contemplating the idea of vocation. This has something to do with the looming decision of whether - and where - to attend law school this fall. The factors that come into play here are enough to give me an ulcer just listing them: God, finances (gulp), passions, career goals, prospective regions to settle down in, proximity to family and friends, and the extremely pleasant complication of my partner and our valiant attempt to locate a common journey forward. Law school comes with a heavy price tag: not only tuition (eep!), but time, energy, and resources. How can I be sure than I am making a wise, balanced decision? Am I motivated by a passion for truth, justice, and a desire to do good work in the world, or by the idea of a certain income, lifestyle, or glamour factor?
As Quakers, we have both the duty and the privilege of thinking differently - radically, totally differently - about the work we do in the world. For us, there is no option of a mere daily grind, no spending eight hours a day doing any-old-task that pays the bills. We are called to consider our work (whether paid, volunteer, or personal) as integrated elements of a passion-filled, intentional vocation. But how do we move from a secular orientation to the career life towards a more holistic, spiritual assessment of how we are called to serve?
For me, I start with the practice of introspection and silence. I am trying to listen to my heart and locate its true passions. Gentle narcissist that I am, I can rattle off a few of my obvious gifts: I love writing, texts, rules, grammar, detail, arguing, and winning (you can see the appeal the legal profession holds for me). But I must take inventory of my frailties, as well: I am shy, emotionally fragile, somewhat insecure, and chronically indecisive; none of these things are remotely helpful for a prospective lawyer.
From there, I consider how both these strengths and these, um, non-strengths might be signs of what God has intended for me to do in the world. I don't believe that there is one "calling" for each of us (although that would certainly make things easier, wouldn't it?). Rather, I think we can find meaning and satisfaction in a multitude of roles and careers; we are given the choice of where and how to apply ourselves, and the freedom to pursue many avenues of engagement.
Finally, I like the idea that a vocation is holistic, a 'life's work' and not simply a way to pass 8 hours a day (or 12; see 'legal profession', above). Whether I am a CEO or a burger-flipper, I can embody the Quaker principles of vocation by serving with integrity and love. And what I do from 9-5 is only a small part of the life I live in the world, which is completed and augmented by my commitments to faith, community, family, and the world.
I will close by asking you to weigh in on the idea of vocation. What does this mean to you? Is there something particularly Quaker, or particularly religious at all, about your formulation of this concept? How did you or do you arrive at your vocational calling?
5 comments
But much of the financial advantage of a legal career-- may come from helping to continue really destructive social/environmental practices. Are you up to surviving while working for the Underdogs?
I hope that others are telling you that the job market for lawyers right now is really bad. Of course, this has to do with the recession, and I have no idea what job prospects will be like in a few years when you would get out of law school. But there are a lot of unemployed lawyers at the moment and applications for law school are up, so it doesn't look good.
I would also like to emphasize the cost of law school. Even if you are motivated by justice and a desire to do good work, the amount of debt law students tend to take on can be overwhelming and can limit the kinds of jobs you might want after law school.
That said, if you are feeling called to go to law school, do it. It is one way to equip yourself to do a lot of good in the world . . . but there are lots of other ways to do that too.
I am sorry this comment is so long. I would be happy to talk to you about this more, if you have questions. My email address is ashleymwilcox AT gmail DOT com. Blessings on your discernment and whatever decision you make.
I can say here, though, that I can't think of any place as wonderful to be in as law school is if you love it, or any place more hellish if you don't. I loved it.
Also, the burden of debt is real. I know of many fine, compassionate law students who were simply unable to work where they wanted to (e.g., government, public interest firms, solo practice) because they couldn't afford to do so. A law degree and license can be an incredibly valuable asset, but it can be a gold-plated chain if you aren't careful.
Good luck.
As I reflect back upon my life, I think about what gives my heart the greatest joy. It is certainly not my accomplishments in my professional life. I treasure the relationships I have constructed with my fellow workers far more than the work I performed.
No, the greatest joys I have from my life are built around my relationships with, and service to, others. I loved the long talks I had with my mother after she retired. I recall holding my five year old daughter’s hand as we walked along a forest path. Many years later, this still brings tears to my eyes. The burden of caring for a loved one during illness brings joys of love and service to counterbalance the grief, pain, and loss. Service to community ties us to greater understanding with those who are not blood relations, but in the human family just the same.
My greatest sorrows are from my failed relationships. This pain is sometimes more than I can carry. I am slowly learning to live each day at a time and to rely upon God’s blessings to carry me through.
I cannot believe that if I had chosen a different vocation my greatest joys and sorrows would have been different.
We cannot know how a vocation will suit us until we try. Many people study for one thing to find, 10 years down the road, that they are someone else. There are some common sense guidelines, both plus and minus. If you love reading, consider being a librarian. If you love gardening, consider horticulture. If you do not like children, do not be a teacher or if you are not good at mathematics, do not choose science. It very common for someone to study a vocation for years and then find, after entering the workforce, it is not for them. There are no guarantees.
Some vocations clearly lead to helping others over making wealth or power. No one would choose teaching or nursing for the money. Some vocations are just a job. Some vocations allow for making of wealth, such as business or law. There is nothing wrong with making wealth, as long as the wealth is used with wise stewardship for God’s service. It is not money, but the love of money, that is the root of all evil.
So, if being an attorney is for you, just be sure it a stepping stone to a life of love, commitment, service, simplicity, honesty, and faith.
If it is for the power, status, and money, you will have my prayers.
To quote George Fox: “Let your Life Speak”.
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