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Implications of Deep Meaningfulness for Sustainability: Reimagining the Literature on Vocational Calling

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  • Wolfgang Bichler‐Riedl
  • Stefan Gold

Abstract

Decent work is a pivotal aspect of sustainable development. However, recent developments suggest that precarious work is rising. This is particularly true for prosocial workers who exhibit extraordinary self‐sacrifice despite working in detrimental conditions. In this manuscript, we shed light on how the individual sensemaking of called prosocial workers impacts the sustainability of professions. We achieve this by appropriating escalation of commitment determinants to meaningful careers. This reveals how enrichment and devaluation are necessary to maintain callings in precarious conditions that prevent the achievement of those callings' goals. Accordingly, we argue that following one's calling can significantly increase the psychological sustainability of one's career in the short term but decreases the sociological sustainability of one's profession in the long term. Based on our review, we discuss potential avenues for de‐escalation, the responsibilities of the current status of meaningful yet precarious professions, and implications for sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Wolfgang Bichler‐Riedl & Stefan Gold, 2025. "Implications of Deep Meaningfulness for Sustainability: Reimagining the Literature on Vocational Calling," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(5), pages 7591-7602, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:5:p:7591-7602
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.3530
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stephanos Anastasiadis & Anica Zeyen, 2022. "Families under Pressure: The Costs of Vocational Calling, and What Can Be Done about Them," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 36(5), pages 841-857, October.
    2. Mats Alvesson & Jörgen Sandberg, 2020. "The Problematizing Review: A Counterpoint to Elsbach and Van Knippenberg’s Argument for Integrative Reviews," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 57(6), pages 1290-1304, September.
    3. Daniel Kahneman & Amos Tversky, 2013. "Prospect Theory: An Analysis of Decision Under Risk," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Leonard C MacLean & William T Ziemba (ed.), HANDBOOK OF THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FINANCIAL DECISION MAKING Part I, chapter 6, pages 99-127, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
    4. Iain Campbell & Robin Price, 2016. "Precarious work and precarious workers: Towards an improved conceptualisation," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 27(3), pages 314-332, September.
    5. Laurie Cohen & Joanne Duberley & Pete Smith, 2019. "Losing the Faith: Public Sector Work and the Erosion of Career Calling," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 33(2), pages 326-335, April.
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