Occupation or Preoccupation?

In a society enamored with the gain and worship of money and luxury, debasement of the vocation can be the only result. Even though money is a necessity in life, occupations are a tool to express the worker as a person, as well as to express his beliefs. This requires a proper attitude and outlook on life and on one's occupation. With a preoccupation for money, careers are no longer places to enjoy their passions, and an enjoyed, proper occupation is essential in a healthy, well-rounded life. Although some believe that one's career is merely an outlet for money to support a family, having a job one feels called to and enjoys is essential, because in a career based solely on gain, the worker's mindset is wrong, and the quality of his work will be hindered.

Though money is a very important commodity in life, the true career is a means of fulfillment, not with riches, but a means of bringing satisfaction to the worker. People should not devote their lives to vocation merely for the gain of money, but more for the fulfillment of the soul. When focused solely on the gain of money, all else is ignored. The thought of what to do with the next paycheck dominates the mind. A few weeks later, the money is gone, and the mind of the worker is now focused on the next payday. Money is a temporary means of fulfillment, unlike emotional satisfaction. Using your career for something that makes you happy for a week or two instead of what gives you fulfillment every day you are working is not logical. For example, it would not be wise for someone who disliked his job to keep it just because he gained a certain amount of money from it. Sayers explains that people commonly believe, falsely, that, "work is not the expression of man's creative energy in the service of society, but only something he does in order to obtain money and leisure" (Creed or Chaos 52). This example points out a major problem in common thought about occupations. The worker's creative energy is lost when he approaches and uses his career in this manner. It is this energy that helps man to express his feelings, and with the loss of creative energy, work is downsized to an outlet that feeds greed and laziness. Because of the lack of fulfillment this outlet causes, not even money or leisure can keep the occupant of this career satiated.

Furthermore, by placing oneself in an enjoyable occupation, satisfaction is gained very easily. Vocations are institutions where one may establish a position that allows man to express himself creatively, as well as serve God in and through his work. Sayers tells us that, "At present we have no clear grasp of the principle that every man should do the work for which he is fitted by nature" (Creed 74). For example, a man could decide that he wanted to be a painter. Instead of listening to his dream or what he believes God is calling him to, he may listen to the modern day Church, and end up as a pastor. He might have had the potential to paint some of the most beautiful works of art in the world, yet, because he chose to listen to other men instead of what he believed and what he believed God was telling him, he would never know what his full potential was. Thus, it is important to listen to oneself when it comes to deciding on a vocation. Sayers made this clear when she says, "every maker and worker is called to serve God in his profession or trade - not outside it" (Creed 78). When one listens to what he believes his calling in life is, it is usually the correct thing.

Once one is in a career well suited for himself and his interests, it should stay his focus throughout the day. "It is this: the worker's first duty is to serve the work" (Creed 80). Distractions draw attention away from more important activities. When this is done during work, the worker is no longer serving his work but his curiosity. There is no humanly possible way to rid of every distraction possible, but still, as many of them that are controllable should be taken out of the working area. By concentrating all of his attention on his work, man can achieve that fulfillment. Accomplishing tasks and doing them well always gives a sense of pride to the worker. This helps immensely in boosting confidence as well as satisfaction. Without distractions, the worker can also realize easier what it is he must do, and how. How he can serve God through his work, and why it is important for him to do this.

The ministry of God's word is a sacred vocation that is now commonly preached as the first occupation one should consider. Missionaries are needed throughout the world to spread God's word. Youth are now being told that they should go into the mission field unless they are certain that they are not called to it. Instead of encouraging them to first look into their hearts, they have them listen to the needs of the Church. "But the person whose vocation it is to prepare the meals beautifully might with equal justice protest: It is not meet for us to leave the service of our tables to preach the word (Creed 78). Just as it is in this example, the occupation should not be thrown aside. "The official Church wastes time and energy, and, moreover, commits sacrilege, in demanding that secular workers should neglect their proper vocation in order to do Christian work - by which She means ecclesiastical work" (Creed 78). By just keeping to a career and preach God's word through it, His work is being fulfilled.

It is no longer defined outright by the Church what a proper vocation is. Definition is given instead to how one should act when it comes to evangelism and morality. Without the knowledge that God wished the occupation to be a place of fulfillment for the worker, it will be misunderstood. "The Church's approach to an intelligent carpenter is usually confined to exhorting him not to be drunk and disorderly in his leisure hours, and to come to church on Sundays. What the Church should be telling him is this: that the very first demand that his religion makes upon him is that he should make good tables" (Creed 77). Jesus, as a carpenter, made tables and enjoyed his labor, yet he also preached the word of God. As the Son of God, he is an excellent example of a proper worker. It is important to know that, "the only Christian work is good work well done" (Creed 78).

Still, the Church must play an important role in our vocational life. Attending Church sermons and activities