Meaning in work: an existential critique of the discourse of callings

Abstract

This paper is a critique of the discourse of work that is being indirectly promoted by the Job-Career-Calling model and the Spirituality in the Workplace field as they both encourage meaning in life to be found through one’s work, i.e., through finding one’s Calling. Using existential philosophy I argue that this “Calling” discourse is problematic as it situates work as the primary source of meaning for human existence. Although this may be appropriate for some people, for others it results in the inauthentic life.