The word for today is…

vocation (noun) – 1. A regular occupation, especially one for which a person is particularly suited or qualified.
2. (a) An inclination or aptness for a certain kind of work.
(b) Theology A calling of an individual by God, especially for a religious career.

Source : The Free Dictionary

Etymology : Vocation has been making its voice heard in English since the 15th century, when it referred to a summons from God to perform a particular task or function in life, especially a religious career. It should come as no surprise, then, that the word is a descendant of Latin vocatio, meaning “summons.” Vocatio, in turn, comes from vocare, meaning “to call,” which itself is from vox, meaning “voice.” Vocation also has a secular position in the English language as a word for the strong desire to do a certain kind of work or the work itself, much like the words calling or occupation.

Peter is a fourth-generation New Zealander, with his mother's and father's folks having arrived in New Zealand in the 1870s. He lives in Lower Hutt with his wife, some cats and assorted computers. His...