The podcast examines the transformation of 'calling' from a spiritual vocation to a secular pursuit of meaningful work. While viewing work as a calling boosts motivation, resilience, and satisfaction, it can also blind individuals to risks, feedback, and financial realities. Stories like Paul Gauguin and Colin Huggins illustrate the personal and relational costs of unwavering dedication. The intense emotional investment in a calling mirrors soulmate ideals in romance—both promising deep fulfillment and potential disillusionment. Research shows that while callings drive performance, they may lead people into underpaid, unstable careers, increasing vulnerability to burnout and exploitation. Ultimately, not all valuable work feels like a calling, and not everyone needs one to live a fulfilling life. The episode challenges the assumption that passion should dictate career choices, urging a more balanced view of work’s role in identity and well-being.