In his (brilliant) book, “Authentic Happiness,” Martin Seligman differentiates jobs vs. careers vs. callings.

A job pays your bills.

A career provides the powerful but fleeting satisfaction of job advancement.

A calling? A calling is what you live when you discover and utilize your greatest strengths in the greatest service to the world.

- Your friend in the pursuit of the happiness that ensues from discovering and giving our gifts to the world.

(You might dig the overview of “Authentic Happiness” I did. And take the strengths assessment test today to take the next step in living your highest calling!)

Since I reached midlife, already twenty years ago, I have repeatedly focused on the distinction between job, career and calling as well as things to do, goals and missions. I think I have it clear that I very much want to follow my souls desires but for ever so long my practical needs of money kept me from allowing myself to pursue activities I most wanted. Now since retirement I have found peace. I do what I love, follow my values and remember what I am grateful for repeatedly. How can I be a healthy self-actualizer each day? What can I do today to be a world citizen? What issues shall I think about? What books shall I read? How can I use my love of communication, art and writing today to continue to be self-fulfilled using my best abilities. How can I know myself better? And after all that how can I learn more about people, the world, and the universe? Yes, I sure like retirement where I can focus on what I value most. Honoring my values and using my skills to be fulfilled continually makes me feel happy.

beautiful, walt!!! (love all your posts!)

one thing I’m personally inspired about is finding ways to get paid to do what I love AND discovering ways we can inspire and empower others to do the same!! it can be sooooo challenging to find that groove. any ideas on how those of us with decades ahead of work can best live our values and get paid to do so!?

After two degrees and a postgrad diploma, as well as various jobs including the career that I am in at the moment, I still feel ill-equipped to find my calling. I did the strength tests on Authentic Happiness.com, and my top strengths were:

Love of learning
Second Strength
Capacity to love and be loved
Third Strength
Curiosity and interest in the world
Fourth Strength
Forgiveness and mercy
Fifth Strength
Leadership

and I have since tried to come up with a ‘career/calling’ that can incorporate any or all of these strengths, as well as my experience and qualifications, but cant come up with an answer that is feasible…