Vocation is rooted in the Latin vocation, meaning a “call,” a “summons,” or an “invitation.” Part 2 of my interview series with James Hollis discusses the difference between work and vocation. We theoretically do work to put food on our table, and it’s certainly relevant. Vocation is whatever you call to do with your life.
Interviewer: James, you often speak about the importance of vocation. Can you explain why vocation is so central to your work and thinking?
In its most profound sense, James Hollis: Vocation refers to a calling that arises from the soul rather than external expectations or societal pressures. It’s a powerful force because it represents an inner imperative, a sense of purpose that is uniquely ours. When we align our lives with our vocation, we live in greater harmony with our true selves, essential for personal fulfilment and psychological well-being. This emphasis on vocation can motivate and encourage the audience to explore their calling.
“If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there the whole while, waiting for you, and the life you ought to be living is the one you are living.” —Joseph Campbell
Interviewer: How does finding one’s vocation differ from choosing a career?
James Hollis: We often choose a career based on external factors—such as financial stability, societal status, or family expectations. While a job can be fulfilling, it doesn’t necessarily align with our more profound sense of purpose. Vocation, on the other hand, is about listening to the inner voice that calls us to a particular path, regardless of whether it’s lucrative or prestigious. It’s about following what feels most authentic to who we are at our core.
Interviewer: What happens when people ignore their vocation?
James Hollis: I know people have to work, and I am not suggesting they give up their jobs and follow their vocation rather than have a vocation outside their job. Ignoring one’s vocation can lead to emptiness, frustration, or despair. When we live a life out of alignment with our deeper purpose, we often feel disconnected from ourselves and the world around us. This disconnection can manifest as a lack of energy, depression, or a pervasive feeling that something is missing, even if, on the surface, everything seems fine. This underlining of the consequences can make the audience feel the urgency of self-discovery and the importance of aligning with their vocation.
Interviewer: Why do so many people struggle to find their vocation?
James Hollis: There are many reasons. Societal pressures and cultural expectations can drown out the inner voice that calls us to our vocation. Fear of failure, financial concerns, or the desire to please others can also lead us to choose a path that’s not truly ours. Finding one’s vocation also requires deep self-reflection, courage, and sometimes a willingness to go against the grain, which can be daunting. It’s not always easy, but the journey is essential for living a life of meaning.
We theoretically do work to put food on our table, and it’s certainly relevant. Vocation is whatever you call to do with your life.—James Hollis
Interviewer: How does vocation relate to Jungian concepts like individuation?
James Hollis: Vocation is intimately tied to the process of individuation, which is the journey toward becoming our true, authentic self. As we individuate, we peel away the layers of conditioning and societal expectations that obscure who we are. Vocation is often the expression of our individuated self—it is the work or path that allows us to bring our unique gifts into the world. It’s how we manifest our true nature in our daily lives.
Interviewer: Can vocation change over time?
James Hollis: Absolutely. As we grow and evolve, our sense of vocation can also shift. What feels like a calling at one stage of life might change as we encounter new experiences, challenges, and insights. It’s essential to stay attuned to that inner voice throughout our lives, continually asking ourselves whether our path resonates with our more profound sense of purpose. Flexibility and openness to change are essential.
Interviewer: What advice would you give someone who feels lost searching for a vocation?
James Hollis: I would encourage them to start by tuning into their inner life—pay attention to dreams, intuitions, and the moments that bring a sense of aliveness. Often, the clues to our vocation are already present, but we need to quiet the noise of the external world to hear them. It’s also helpful to reflect on what has brought them a sense of fulfilment or meaning in the past. Sometimes, working with a therapist or coach who understands the concept of vocation can provide valuable guidance on this journey.
Interviewer: How does living out one’s vocation contribute to a meaningful life?
James Hollis: Living out one’s vocation is one of the most direct paths to a meaningful life because it allows us to express our true selves in the world. When aligned with our vocation, we experience a sense of purpose and fulfilment that transcends the ordinary concerns of daily life. We contribute to the world in a way that feels uniquely our own, benefiting others and nourishing our souls. In this sense, vocation is not just about what we do; it’s about who we are and how we choose to live our lives.
Interviewer: James, resilience has become a key concept for professionals today. From a Jungian perspective, why is resilience so important?
James Hollis: Resilience is essential because it reflects our ability to engage with life’s inevitable challenges in a way that promotes growth rather than retreat. In the professional world, this is particularly critical. Resilience is about returning from adversity and how we integrate those experiences into a more significant personal and professional development narrative.
Interviewer: What did Jung say about resilience?
From a Jungian perspective, resilience is deeply connected to the process of individuation—the journey toward becoming our true, authentic selves. As we face setbacks, pressures, and uncertainties, resilience allows us to confront these challenges consciously rather than being overwhelmed by them. It helps us to stay aligned with our deeper purpose and values, even when external circumstances are difficult. In this sense, resilience is about more than just survival in the professional world; it’s about thriving and evolving. It enables us to connect with our inner life and stay faithful to our vocation, even facing significant challenges. This is what ultimately leads to a fulfilling and meaningful career.
Interviewer: Dr. Hollis, you’ve often spoken about the importance of asking “big questions” in our lives. What do you mean by this? What is the power of asking big questions?
James Hollis: Thank you for the question. The power of asking big questions lies in their ability to pull us out of our everyday routines and invite us to examine the deeper undercurrents of our lives. These are not the kinds of questions that have simple, definitive answers, but rather, they are inquiries that provoke reflection, self-examination, and a greater understanding of the human experience.
As Carl Jung said, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” But that requires us to confront the big questions courageously. —James Hollis
Interviewer: Can you give an example of what you consider a “big question”?
James Hollis: Certainly. A big question might be, “What is my purpose in life?” or “Who am I, really, beneath all the roles I play?” These questions challenge us to go beyond the superficial layers of our existence and confront the fundamental aspects of our being. They’re big because they address core existential issues and require us to engage with our most profound truths.
Interviewer: How do these big questions impact our personal growth and development?
James Hollis: When we engage with big questions, we engage with our unconscious. These questions force us to reflect on the assumptions, beliefs, and patterns that govern our lives—often without our full awareness. We can reassess and realign our lives more authentically and meaningfully by bringing these elements into consciousness. This process is crucial for personal growth because it helps us move beyond inherited narratives and societal expectations to discover what is truly ours.
Interviewer: What role does courage play in asking and confronting these big questions?
James Hollis: Courage is central to this process. Big questions often lead us to uncomfortable truths or challenge the status quo of our lives. It takes courage to face the unknown, to admit that we might need to change or to recognise that our current path may not be the one that leads to fulfilment. Yet, it is in this discomfort and vulnerability that actual growth occurs. As Carl Jung said, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” But that requires us to confront the big questions courageously.
MORE FROM JAMES HOLLIS, PhD:
Why Good People Do Bad Things: Understanding Our Darker Selves
Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life: How to Finally Really Grow Up
A Life of Meaning: Relocating Your Center of Spiritual Gravity
The Broken Mirror: Refracted Visions of Ourselves
Why Good People Do Bad Things: Understanding Our Darker Selves
Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life: How to Finally Really Grow Up
A Life of Meaning: Relocating Your Center of Spiritual Gravity