Journal 6 Maci

Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work is a story founded by Dave Isay. It is a compilation of stories from a variety of individuals who present inspirational and unforgettable stories about working at the jobs they love. The stories are divided into five sections: Dreamers, Generations, Healers, Philosophers, and Groundbreakers. Individuals are classified by the meaning derived within the context of work, not by rank or job type. Focusing on specific chapters from the sections Generations and Healers, there are many things that readers are able to compare and contrast. 

            The section Generations in Callings is named because it deals with family members talking to one another about their occupations, the chapter I chose is Firefighter Dekalb Jr. talking with his son Dekalb Walcott Ⅲ (Callings 55). This story talks about a man who came form a poor family who took an opportunity to improve his life for the better. Dekalb Jr. found his passion in becoming a firefighter and in doing so he was able to be a great role model for his son. Dekalb Walcott Ⅲ grew up wanting to become a firefighter just like his dad, “I was a kid who wanted to grow up and be just like his daddy” (Callings 56), and so he did. Dekalb Ⅲ grew up and became a firefighter and worked side by side with his father. Dekalb Jr. paved a rode for his future family to come and showed that you do not have to follow the same path as your ancestors before you. This story shows the true opportunity given and shown throughout the generations of the Walcott family. 

The section Healers in Callings is named because it encases doctors, nurses, teachers, and others dedicated to helping, the chapter I chose is Ironworker Kerry Davis talking with his coworker Ken Hopper (Callings 121). This chapter introduces two men whose job as maintenance workers of the Golden Gate Bridge also includes preventing suicide attempters from jumping. It shows how your job can have many other duties to it besides what its title suggests. These men whose title suggests they only deal with a bridge are able to point out the signs of someone who’s suicidal and try to talk to them and save them are true hero’s, “Some have even called us Guardians of the Gate…” (Callings 124). This blend of engineering and critical emotional support is a riveting combination and their title as healers fits perfectly. 

            These two chapters in comparison deal with people who have complete passion and commitment to their jobs and the impact they have on others. In Dekalb story, if he were have never to stray from the path, he nor his son would have followed their callings in becoming firefighters and loving their jobs. This compares to if Kerry and Ken would have never found their passion in being Ironworkers, they would not be able to leave their impact on suicide attempters. It is important within the two stories to find the job that makes you happy and within it you are able to help others. 

In contrast the two stories are very diverse. Some people like Dalkb Ⅲ discover their path early on and others found theirs later in life like Kerry and Ken helping suicidal people. Kerry and Ken did not become Ironworkers knowing that their job would include helping and seeing people who jump from the bridge. The story about the firefighters shows the impact on generations and the story about the Ironworkers shows the healing of other people just like the sections of the book suggests. Both stories have powerful meaning but deal with separate people who they impact. 

Callings is a verbal recounting of those who have found ways to integrate their work into all aspects of their lives. These stories demonstrate that work is much more than simply making a living. Chasing dreams and finding inspiration can transform a job into a calling and a higher pursuit and personal gratification can be found in any kind of work. Much of the book talks about pride in work and how shifting perspective will help one to realize the meaning of their work and greater purpose. No matter what the profession, meaning can always be found. Running through Callings are shared threads of honor, integrity, passion, and commitment. These elements bring forth a deeper meaning and a greater satisfaction to every aspect of a person’s life. It is a book of reflection and is dedicated to everyone working to find their passion and to follow their calling. In essence, Callings asks the questions: What is our greater purpose in life? What is our mission here on earth? Why do we work? Where is the meaning in our day to day tasks? This book provides the necessary tools to answer these questions.