Let’s practice some of the vocabulary words and expressions from the listening. Read through the examples. Then, try it below.

First, read through the vocabulary words:

Study Tip! Tap or scroll over the list below to see their definitions.

1. a means to an end
2. settle
3. noble
4. pep talk
5. revere
6. vocation
7. heed
8. neglect
9. disappointment

Now, look at how these words are used in context from the interview.

Read through the sentences. Do you agree or disagree?

1. “…We often think of our jobs not just as a means to an end, but as a deep reflection of who we are.”
2. “There’s this narrative that we should keep searching and never settle. And if your job isn’t perfect, then there’s something wrong and you should keep looking for a new one.”
3. “He said, some people love what they do, and other people do what they have to do so that they can do what they love when they’re not working and neither is more noble.”
4. “We love to revere people whose identities and their jobs neatly aligned. But I think Anissa’s wisdom was telling me that the other side of the equation, treating a job as a means to an end is no less noble.”
5. “Being the young naive college student that I was, I sort of did not heed his advice and spent my entire twenties looking for that vocational soulmate, looking for that job that would help me self-actualize.”
6. “And so I think a lot of people among my peer group have been searching for work as a means of self-actualization as a way to make themselves whole and looking for a vocational soulmate that can deliver on that promise. And I think it actually sets us up for a lot of disappointment.”

What do you think?

1. Do you view work as a means to an end, or do you see it as more of a noble calling? Explain your reasons.
2. Would you settle for a satisfactory job where you made enough money to do the things you wanted, or would you prefer to go after your dream job?
3. Have you ever been disappointed in not getting a job you applied for or something that you went after? How did that event change your future actions or perspective?
4. What are some ways that you have created a good work/life or school/life balance? Are there any aspects of your personal life that you have neglected in order to work or study more?
5. Who is a person you revere? Is there anyone you revere or see as a role model or mentor in your school, career field, or business world? Explain.

Got it? Now practice the vocabulary words in context below.

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Learn English Grammar! Click on page 3 to practice grammar in context.