Final answer:
Hester Prynne from 'The Scarlet Letter' took up needlework and embroidery as her occupation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The occupation that Hester took up isn't explicitly mentioned in the provided text excerpts. However, if 'Hester' refers to the character from Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, then it can be said that Hester Prynne took up the occupation of needlework and embroidery. She sustained herself and her daughter through this craft, despite the ostracization she faced from society due to her sin of adultery. This occupation allowed her to demonstrate her craftsmanship and artistic ability, which gained her a measure of respect within the community.