My father (born in 1921 and a WW2 vet) was a machinist, a trade he actually enjoyed. But he lectured me as a child to know the difference between a “vocation”

My father (born in 1921 and a WW2 vet) was a machinist, a trade he actually enjoyed. But he lectured me as a child to know the difference between a “vocation” and an “avocation” using those exact words. Perhaps this was something that was taught to his generation in school since a lot of work back then was in the factories. So, he made it a point to be involved in bowling leagues, men’s clubs, church choir, etc. in his free time, just like many of his friends and coworkers. Just watch a couple of episodes of the Flintstones and you will see what life was like 50+ years ago. This whole concept of having a life and serious interests outside of work has been mostly lost—but it needs to come back for our collective sanity. The book “Bowling Alone” written on this topic a few years ago is worth reading. Of course, while the men were out having an avocation, the mothers stayed home with the kids. Now, some sharing of those duties needs to happen. But it is really important.