Hearing Our Calling

This is a book about rethinking work and the workplace at a time when work has become problematic for many people. It considers the larger context and history of work including the ascent of the rational mind, destructive work such as weapons research or work that leads to environmental deterioration, the nature of community and the importance of finding one's calling. We don't have to accept the current model and can find a means of work being joyful, creative and fulfilling. Finding one's calling is the most important theme, which the author defines as the action arising from our context, eliciting our natural desire to contribute our skills. She cites the example of her father who was asked to edit a booklet about ecological awareness for churches, which he set about with energy and enthusiasm in spite of advancing age and illness. There is an interesting chapter on factors that may inhibit hearing our calling and an emphasis on the relationship between being and doing: 'when we are doing right work, we do what we are.' Our work shapes our day and can also give our lives meaning. The last chapter considers three central themes of reconnection, response and reciprocity. There is no shortage of work in the sense of needs that require responding to, but our structures are set up for jobs and therefore the dichotomy of employment and unemployment. For the sake of our children, this model has to change if they are to find the meaningful work that they deserve.