Main Difference
The main difference between Avocation and Vocation is that the Avocation is a calling, which may or may not provide employment and Vocation is a occupation to which a person is specially drawn or for which he or she is suited, trained, or qualified.
Avocation
An avocation is an activity that someone engages in as a hobby outside their main occupation. There are many examples of people whose professions were the ways that they made their livings, but for whom their activities outside their workplaces were their true passions in life. Occasionally, as with Lord Baden-Powell and others, people who pursue an avocation are more remembered by history for their avocation than for their professional career.
Many times a person’s regular vocation may lead to an avocation. Many forms of humanitarian campaigning, such as work for organizations like Amnesty International and Greenpeace, may be done by people involved in the law or human rights issues as part of their work.Many people involved with youth work pursue this as an avocation.
Vocation
A vocation (from Latin vocātiō, meaning ‘a call, summons’) is an occupation to which a person is specially drawn or for which they are suited, trained, or qualified. Though now often used in non-religious contexts, the meanings of the term originated in Christianity.
Avocation (noun)
A calling away; a diversion.
Avocation (noun)
A hobby or recreational or leisure pursuit.
Avocation (noun)
That which calls one away from one’s regular employment or vocation.
Avocation (noun)
Pursuits; duties; affairs which occupy one’s time; usual employment; vocation.
Avocation (noun)
The calling of a case from an inferior to a superior court.
Vocation (noun)
An inclination to undertake a certain kind of work, especially a religious career; often in response to a perceived summons; a calling.
Vocation (noun)
An occupation for which a person is suited, trained or qualified.
Avocation (noun)
a hobby or minor occupation
“they are basically doctors, and negotiators by avocation”
Vocation (noun)
a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation
“not all of us have a vocation to be nurses or doctors”
Vocation (noun)
a person’s employment or main occupation, especially regarded as worthy and requiring dedication
“her vocation as a poet”
Vocation (noun)
a trade or profession
“GNVQs in Leisure and Tourism will be the introduction to a wide span of vocations”