Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

When Your Calling Leads to Burnout (with Arianna Molloy)

Jan 28, 2025

Dr. Ariana Molloy, an Associate Professor of Organizational Communication at Biola University, shares insights from her expertise on meaningful work and her book, *Healthy Calling*. She discusses the vulnerability to burnout for those who see their work as a calling, emphasizing the need for boundaries. The conversation explores how to distinguish between healthy and toxic work pursuits, the importance of humility in demanding jobs, and the role of rest in sustaining one's calling. Arianna offers real-life examples and metaphors to illustrate finding meaning in work.

34:39

Episode guests

Ariana Molloy

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

A healthy calling requires understanding the relational dynamics with oneself, God, and the community to effectively manage burnout.

Distinct categories of work—jobs, careers, and callings—highlight that meaning can exist independently of financial compensation and job roles.

Deep dives

Understanding a Healthy Calling

A healthy calling encompasses more than just fulfilling job responsibilities; it involves a deep relational dynamic with oneself, God, and the community. Burnout from a calling is distinct from typical burnout, as it stems from a person's identity being tied to their work, leading to a sense of loss and shame when that work becomes challenging. For instance, professionals such as educators and healthcare workers may face a profound crisis of identity when they cannot engage with their roles as they wish. Recognizing the relational components of calling is essential for individuals to address burnout and foster a healthier approach to their work.

Intro

3min

Navigating Calling and Burnout

16min

Navigating Boundaries with Humility

6min

Cultivating Your Calling

5min

Navigating the Spectrum of Burnout and Finding Meaning in Work

5min

What does it mean to have a healthy calling? Why are people who view their work as a calling more vulnerable to burnout? How do you know when your work has given way to idolatry? We’ll discuss these questions and much more with our Biola communications colleague, Dr. Ariana Molloy, around her new book, Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work.

Dr. Arianna Molloy (Ph.D., University of Denver, CO) is an Associate Professor of Organizational Communication in the Division of Communication at Biola University. Dr. Molloy's research focuses on meaningful work, work as a calling, having published in premier journals such the International Journal of Business Communication, Communication Studies, Journal of Management, Spirituality, and Religion. She also works as a communication consultant for organizations such as Chick-fil-A, as well as business professionals, and ministries.

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Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California.

Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically.
Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video.

To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

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