Understanding the concept of “calling”.

September 30, 2019

I mean, we have heard others say they have found their ‘calling’ in life. How do you define ‘calling’? Is it spiritual? Possibly intuition? According to the authors Xie, Xia, Xin, and Zhou (2016) there is not currently an agreed on systematic definition. In literature, three perspectives have emerged: classical, modern, and neoclassical. The classical perspective of calling evolved from religious heritages. Classical perspective suggests that one is called by God to act on a vocation for the communal good. The modern perspective on calling emphasizes fulfillment and happiness in work life and career choice. Dobrow and Tosti-Kharas (2011) described the modern perspective as “a consuming, meaningful passion people experience toward a domain”. Many today think the neoclassical approach is the best perspective to use for society today. The neoclassical perspective defines calling as originating from a compelling summons, sense of destiny, and pro-social duty. Neoclassical perspective believes that calling is experienced as originating beyond the self. It is an approach to a particular life-role which demonstrates purpose and meaningfulness. The neoclassical perspective holds values and goals as primary sources of motivation. personally, I tend to agree that neoclassical is the way to go. It seems to incorporate not just the person, but family, values, duty to society, and a sense of need and purpose. Lets, face it, if God, parents, counselors, friends, etc. compel you toward a particular career, you still have lots of other variables you need to consider before you pursue that career. Do I like that career? Can I see myself paying my bills having this career? Do I have the aptitudes that bolster this career? Ultimately YOU create your calling by career exploration. The more careers you read about, the more you will know if that career is your ‘calling’. ~Dr. Shari