Hearing the Call: A Phenomenological Study of Religion in Career Choice

Abstract

While traditional forms of career counseling are effective for many individuals, some clients may perceive a strong religious or spiritual call to a career and may therefore require a different understanding of career counseling. This qualitative study sought to describe the process through which individuals perceive and follow a religious or spiritual call to a career, for a small sample of Roman Catholic participants. Themes emerging from the study included a sense of career choice arising from a mutual relationship with God, and struggles both with faith and with being called. Participants described various sources of support as well as challenges in following their calling. The results of the study can assist psychologists and career counselors when working with religious clients who want to incorporate religion and spirituality into the career decision-making process.