occupation

work, employment, occupation, calling, pursuit, métier, business mean a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living. work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

• • her work as a hospital volunteer

employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

• • your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

• • his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

• • the ministry seemed my true calling

pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

• • her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

• • acting was my one and only métier

business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

• • the business of managing a hotel