Calling in Career and Life Satisfaction Among Romanian Students

Abstract

Over the past five years there has been a growing body of literature that examines meaning in work and career. Calling, defined as a deep-seated passion and meaning for a particular line of work is essential for professionals’wellbeing, career success and adaptability. Taking into account the above mentioned, the aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the perceived calling and life satisfaction on a sample of 460 Romanian undergraduate students (326 female and 134 male). Life goals - one potential moderator of the calling-life satisfaction relation was tested. The regression analysis have revealed a strong positive impact of all three types of measured calling (Transcendent Summons; Purposeful Work; Prosocial Orientation) on life satisfaction. Moreover, the data revealed that the participants more likely to perceive their career as a calling were more satisfied in life than the others. Also, the relation of calling and life satisfaction was different based on types of life goals, with the strongest relation for self-transcendent goals. Implications for career development programs and vocational counseling are discussed.