Is it Work or a Vocation?

By Louise Manning

In the land based sector it is often assumed that they are the only "vocational" profession to have a problem with succession. Farming is 24/7 and family life revolves around working every day, even Christmas Day - if you have livestock they need to be fed.

However, it is not just agriculture where the vocational element of a career is now being deemed as potentially unacceptable to the next generation. We have had some interesting discussions at home on the similarities and differences between Generation X and Generation Y, not to miss out on our parents and grandparents Generation W and V respectively. Recent newspaper reports identify that 75% of head-teachers in British schools are due to retire in the next 10 years and there appears to be a reluctance for the next generation "to step into the breach". The article suggests that many teachers are reluctant to take on the burden of responsibility that the job often entails.

Arthur H. Stainback is reported to have said "The value of compassion cannot be over-emphasized. Anyone can criticise. ..... No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one cares or understands."

Often when we work in a profession we feel that our "industry" is under siege, our labors are not recognised and that we are battling alone. How do we make people feel more genuinely appreciated or that they personally have such a valuable contribution they can make to our society? The answer is more than just the salary that's on offer. A thought provoking article for many sectors of industry!

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