“You can have a job, or you can have a career, or you can have a calling. If you can somehow figure out how to have a calling, you have hit the jackpot, cause that’s the big deal.”
— Jeff Bezos
Simplified Meaning:
Many people work just to earn money and support themselves. This is often called having a job, and it's mainly about survival. Others choose a career, which is more about growing in a specific field, gaining skills, and maybe moving up the ladder. This can provide not only money but also a sense of accomplishment. However, a calling is different from both a job and a career. A calling is when you find work that you love deeply, that fulfills you and aligns with your true passions and values. For example, imagine someone who loves teaching. If they only see it as a job, they might just go through the motions for a paycheck. If they see it as a career, they might focus on becoming a principal or getting awards. But if they see teaching as a calling, they feel joy and purpose in educating others every day, no matter the challenges or rewards. Finding your calling means your work makes you truly happy and gives you a bigger sense of meaning. When you feel this way about your work, it’s like winning the best prize because it brings deep satisfaction and joy, beyond just money or success. To apply this, think about what activities make you lose track of time, what you are passionate about, and what impact you want to have on the world.