9 signs you haven’t found your true calling in life yet, according to psychologists

Do you ever feel like something’s missing in your life, even though everything seems fine on the surface?

Maybe you’re doing well in your career or checking off life’s milestones, but deep down, there’s an unsettling feeling that you haven’t found your true purpose.

Psychologists say this feeling is more common than you think—and it may be a sign that you haven’t discovered your true calling yet.

In this article, we’ll explore 9 revealing signs that you might still be searching for that deeper sense of fulfillment.

Read on to finally discover whether you’re on the right path or if there’s something more waiting for you!

1) Lack of passion

Passion is not always about wild enthusiasm or overwhelming excitement.

Sometimes, it manifests as a quiet, consistent pull towards an activity, topic or profession.

If you lack this kind of pull in what you’re currently doing, then you might not have found your true calling yet.

You may find yourself constantly watching the clock at work, waiting for the day to end.

Or perhaps you dread Monday mornings and live for the weekends.

In some cases, you may find that your job drains your energy rather than invigorating you.

Or, you simply cannot see yourself doing this for the rest of your life.

These are all signs that you may not have found your true calling yet.

The absence of passion can be a clear indicator that something else out there is meant for you.

2) Lack of flow

Flow, as defined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, is a state of complete immersion and enjoyment in what you’re doing.

It’s a feeling where the world seems to fade away and all that matters is you and your task.

If you’re rarely experiencing this state of flow in your current occupation, it might be an indication that you haven’t found your true calling.

You may often find yourself distracted, constantly checking social media or looking for ways to procrastinate.

Your work feels like a chore, something you have to plough through rather than something that absorbs and delights you.

In contrast, when you find your true calling, you’ll often find yourself in a state of flow.

Time seems to fly by because you’re so engrossed in what you’re doing.

You lose track of time and before you know it, hours have passed.

3) You’re excelling, but not happy

Society often equates success with happiness. But what if you’re climbing the ladder of success and yet feeling unfulfilled?

This could be a sign that you haven’t found your true calling in life.

You may have a high-paying job, receive glowing performance reviews and well on your way to the top.

Your career may even be the envy of your peers and family.

However, deep down, you don’t feel the joy or satisfaction that you thought such accomplishments would bring.

Your achievements and status may look impressive on paper, but if they don’t ignite a sense of contentment within you, it’s likely that this path isn’t your true calling.

This feeling of emptiness despite outward success can be a subtle yet powerful indicator that your passion and purpose lie in a different direction.

4) You’re envious of others

It’s human nature to occasionally feel a tinge of envy when we see someone enjoying success.

But if you constantly find yourself feeling envious of others, especially those in different careers, it might be a sign you haven’t found your true calling.

For example, do you often find yourself scrolling through LinkedIn or Instagram, seeing people passionately talk about their work, and feel an uncomfortable pang of envy?

Do you wish you felt the same excitement and fulfillment they seem to have?

It’s not so much about wanting their job or their life, but rather the joy and passion that radiates from them when they talk about their work.

This envy isn’t something to be ashamed of. Instead, it could be an honest signal from your inner self that you’re yearning for a similar fulfillment in your own life.

If so, it might be time to explore new paths that could lead you to your true calling.

5) You feel stuck

Feeling stuck in a rut is something we all experience at some point. 

Maybe you’re feeling unchallenged, or perhaps you feel like you’ve hit a plateau and there’s no room for growth or advancement.

These feelings of being stuck can be incredibly frustrating and demoralizing.

Remember, it’s okay to feel this way. It doesn’t mean you’re failing or not trying hard enough.

It simply means that what you’re doing right now might not align with your true passions or abilities.

This feeling of stagnation might be a gentle nudge from your subconscious that it’s time to consider other paths.

It could be an opportunity to explore new areas, learn new skills, and ultimately find your true calling.

6) You’re living for the weekends

Who doesn’t love a good weekend, right? Time to unwind, catch up on hobbies, spend time with loved ones or simply do nothing.

But if you find yourself desperately living for the weekends and dreading Mondays, it might be a sign you haven’t found your true calling yet.

You may find yourself constantly counting down days to the weekend, or feeling a heavy sense of doom on Sunday evenings, knowing that the work week is about to start again.

This feeling of living just for the weekends is more common than you’d think.

It’s a clear sign that your current job or career isn’t bringing you the satisfaction or fulfillment that it should.

Your work should be something that excites you and makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning, not something that makes you wish for the week to end as soon as it starts.

7) Your daydreams are more exciting

Daydreaming is a wonderful escape, isn’t it? It allows us to venture into a world where anything is possible.

Now, if you find that your daydreams about other careers or paths are far more exciting than your current reality, well, that might just be a sign you haven’t found your true calling yet.

Think about it. Do you find yourself zoning out in the middle of a meeting, imagining what it would be like to run a beachside café?

Or perhaps you’re crunching numbers at your desk but your mind is wandering to thoughts of writing a novel or teaching yoga.

These daydreams aren’t just idle fantasies.

They could be your mind’s way of telling you what you truly desire.

Moreover, it could escalate into maladaptive daydreaming, which can start to affect your work, daily tasks, and your relationships.

8) You’re constantly making excuses

Let’s get real here. If you find yourself constantly making excuses for why you’re staying in a job you don’t love, it’s likely you haven’t found your true calling yet.

Maybe you’re saying things like “I’m too old to change careers now,” or “I have too many responsibilities to take a risk.”

Perhaps you’re convincing yourself that you should be grateful for having a job at all, even if it makes you unhappy.

While these concerns are valid, they’re often fear-based excuses that keep you stuck in your comfort zone.

It’s important to remember that it’s never too late to pursue your passion and that taking risks is often necessary for growth.

9) You’re not happy

At the end of the day, the most important sign you haven’t found your true calling yet is simply that you’re not happy.

Happiness and fulfillment look different for everyone, but if you’re consistently feeling unfulfilled, stressed, or unhappy with your work, it’s a clear sign that something’s not right.

This isn’t about having a bad day or a tough week – those happen in every job.

This is about an ongoing feeling of discontent that doesn’t go away.

Your work should not only provide a paycheck but also joy, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose.

If it doesn’t, it might be time to start exploring new paths.

Final thoughts

Discovering your true calling is often a journey, not a destination.

If you recognize any of these signs in your life, it’s not a sign of failure—it’s a reminder that you’re still growing, evolving, and seeking something more meaningful.

Don’t be discouraged by the uncertainty; instead, see it as an opportunity to explore what truly excites and fulfills you.

Finding your purpose takes time, but each step you take brings you closer to uncovering what you’re meant to do.

Trust the process, keep reflecting on what resonates with you, and don’t settle for anything less than a life that feels aligned with who you are at your core.

What would Jesus say?

Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?

Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.

We brought Jesus back to life with the help of AI. Ask your toughest life questions, and Jesus will tell you exactly what to do.

Check it out here.

 

Elizabeth Carter

Elizabeth Carter

I'm Elizabeth Carter, the heart behind Biblescripture.net. I’m a theology graduate from Boston College who found her calling in making the Bible's wisdom vibrant and accessible. Alongside my studies, I cultivated a love for peaceful morning walks and deep conversations about faith over coffee. Every day, I'm here to walk with you through scripture, making its teachings not just accessible, but a vibrant part of your daily life. Join me in discovering how these ancient words can transform us in the most beautiful ways.

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