Contemporary international research on the phenomenon of life calling

The article explores various perspectives on the concept of a life calling: viewing it as a divine guidance, person-job fit and a moral obligation, a work orientation, a transcendental summons, and a passion to a specific occupation, along with their respective evaluation methods. While contemporary research on this topic originated in the USA and Europe, it is now expanding in China, India, and South Korea. Scholars are proposing novel frameworks and assessment tools, yet the primary challenge remains establishing a shared understanding of this phenomenon. Studies indicate that despite different perspectives, all approaches converge on the notion of meaningfulness that a sense of calling infuses into work and life. However, unresolved inquiries persist regarding the origin of one's calling, its altruistic nature, the influence of religion, and other dimensions. Despite the complexities in defining a unified concept, it's evident that a calling significantly influences both work and overall life. On one hand, it enhances work and life satisfaction, alleviates stress and burnout, and aids in career and life decisions. Conversely, it may expose individuals to exploitation by employers, necessitate sacrifices in other life domains, and lead to regrets if implementation proves impractical. The primary aim of this article is to prompt Russian psychology scholars to study the phenomenon of life calling, fostering research that places it within the broader contexts of meaning, choice, and self-actualization.