What do you think?
Rate this book
Quarter-Life Calling: Pursuing Your God-Given Purpose in Your Twenties
A young leadership expert guides fellow Christian Millennials on their quest to live and work meaningfully.
Even though he seemed to have achieved it all, including landing his dream job at a Fortune 500 company, throughout his twenties Paul Sohn struggled with feelings of inadequacy, emptiness, and disillusionment. Something was very wrong. Finally at twenty-eight, after much contemplation and a life-changing encounter with his mentor, Paul traded in his high-paying job and sought a more meaningful life. Now, having achieved a sense of happiness and fulfillment like never before, and after examining all that he has learned along the way, Paul wants to help young adults avoid the pitfalls he succumbed to, including madly chasing empty financial success. His goal is to help others pursue their God-given purpose, and in Quarter-Life Calling , he shares enlightening biblical insights and practical ways to make it happen.
Even though he seemed to have achieved it all, including landing his dream job at a Fortune 500 company, throughout his twenties Paul Sohn struggled with feelings of inadequacy, emptiness, and disillusionment. Something was very wrong. Finally at twenty-eight, after much contemplation and a life-changing encounter with his mentor, Paul traded in his high-paying job and sought a more meaningful life. Now, having achieved a sense of happiness and fulfillment like never before, and after examining all that he has learned along the way, Paul wants to help young adults avoid the pitfalls he succumbed to, including madly chasing empty financial success. His goal is to help others pursue their God-given purpose, and in Quarter-Life Calling , he shares enlightening biblical insights and practical ways to make it happen.
- GenresChristian
208 pages, Paperback
Published April 4, 2017
27 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Paul Sohn
5 books9 followersPaul Sohn is the founder of QARA, an organization that empowers twenty-somethings to discover their God-given identity and calling. He is an award-winning blogger, leadership coach, and speaker. His blog has been ranked one of the Top 50 Leadership Blogs to Follow. Christianity Today has named Paul among the Top 33 Under 33 Christian Millennials to watch.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 29, 2020
Such a refreshing read. I have been contemplating my calling before even graduating college. I love that this book weaves faith and future together. The author is encouraging and gives you several exercises that help you discover yourself and the path you should follow in life.
April 8, 2021
Picked this book up last year during corona, when I was in a bit of a rut and couldn't find out what I should do with my life. I didn't finish the book that year. It didn't speak to me as I might not be that religious in the first place. I finished it now and it had some good points:
- You shouldn't tie your identity to your job description
- Your twenties matter a lot and isn't the time to fool around. (which I am doing to a certain extent)
It also poses a lot of question which stimulates the reader to do some introspective work. Which is good.
Furthermore, everything in the book seems to be tied together with God, so if you're not religious, you might not really benefit from this book. That's why I stopped reading it last year, not because the book is bad, but because it doesn't speak to me that much.
- You shouldn't tie your identity to your job description
- Your twenties matter a lot and isn't the time to fool around. (which I am doing to a certain extent)
It also poses a lot of question which stimulates the reader to do some introspective work. Which is good.
Furthermore, everything in the book seems to be tied together with God, so if you're not religious, you might not really benefit from this book. That's why I stopped reading it last year, not because the book is bad, but because it doesn't speak to me that much.
March 21, 2017
Quarter-Life Calling: Pursuing Your God-Given Purpose in Your Twenties by Paul Sohn talks about discovering your calling and finding true meaning in life. Sohn uses experiences from his own life, including a “quarter-life crisis,” to help twentysomethings navigate through these formative years. He talks about how true success does not lie in money or status, but through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Before reading this book, I wondered if it only be a good read for twentysomethings who feel successful and self-assured, rather than twentysomethings who feel lost in life. But in actuality, the book is good for all twentysomethings, because it is encouraging and inspiring. Sohn reminds readers that they can replace negative self-talk with Scripture, and that they are God’s Masterpiece. He explores what one’s “calling” means and delves into how to find a “vocational sweet spot.” Even the questions for reflection and discussion at the end of each chapter are helpful; one such question asks, “What can you do to become more attentive to the voice of God in your life?” It’s a good book.
*I received this book for review*
Before reading this book, I wondered if it only be a good read for twentysomethings who feel successful and self-assured, rather than twentysomethings who feel lost in life. But in actuality, the book is good for all twentysomethings, because it is encouraging and inspiring. Sohn reminds readers that they can replace negative self-talk with Scripture, and that they are God’s Masterpiece. He explores what one’s “calling” means and delves into how to find a “vocational sweet spot.” Even the questions for reflection and discussion at the end of each chapter are helpful; one such question asks, “What can you do to become more attentive to the voice of God in your life?” It’s a good book.
*I received this book for review*
April 4, 2018
An excellent resource for young adults. Paul Sohn is well-read on the topic of calling and condenses a lot of the best ideas from other books into this quick, helpful read. I expected it to be a lot of motivational "how to's," but it wasn't. Covers the idea of what it means to steward your life, knowing Jesus as our primary calling, a short theology of work, and great questions and insights into how to think about your unique personality, gifts, experiences, and passions as they relate to your vocational calling. All grounded in solid gospel. Would be great to work through with a mentor.
August 4, 2017
It was an honor to be a part of Paul Sohn's launch of this brilliant book for our up and coming generations and their legacies they can already be affecting now in the lives of others! This is the perfect book for all those starting out in new life adventures or considering where they go next in their young lives. Really outstanding, it was about time someone wrote about this part of life for our young people!
October 1, 2017
If I was going to hand one book to a 20-something exploring their calling it would be hard to find something better than this. The author has clearly read widely on the subject and shares wisdom from others while speaking transparently about his own struggles and experience.
March 6, 2018
Quick read that helps you navigate through this vague and overused term of "calling" from a Christian perspective
July 4, 2018
Loved this book, clear and practical information and steps on how to fulfil your purpose. Has good point on reflection on the end of every chapter.
June 19, 2022
This book was nothing short of phenomenal. When I picked up this book on a whim, I was experiencing a quarter life crisis of sorts in my own life.
Reading this work of art completely changed my view and perception of my past, current, and future career. It provides actionable steps that bring about answers you wouldn’t think of otherwise.
A must read for twenty-somethings looking for some actionable steps to take towards a fulfilling career and life. Well done, Sohn. Well done.
Reading this work of art completely changed my view and perception of my past, current, and future career. It provides actionable steps that bring about answers you wouldn’t think of otherwise.
A must read for twenty-somethings looking for some actionable steps to take towards a fulfilling career and life. Well done, Sohn. Well done.
September 23, 2022
Cover Art: 🥕
Title: 🥕
Review: 🥕🥕🥕
🐰 Some interesting topics in here
First Page Nibble:
🐰 Throughout my teens and early twenties, I searched for meaning and purpose in the wrong things-things left me empty. First, I turned to possessions and wealth. Growing up, I had this dream to live in a five-bedroom house on a golf estate and to drive a Porsche. I remember the first car I drove was an almost new Mazda 6. It was a beautiful-looking sedan. Within a few months, I grew tired of it and wanted to drive a BMW.
Quotes:
🐰 ...people today are searching for meaning and fulfillment in all areas of life. pg.3
🐰 These messages from the media work to convince you that you desperately need a certain product or service. If you don't get it, you are missing out. These voices say you are fat. You are ugly. You need the latest gadgets to make you happy. Sex, lust, and immorality are perfectly acceptable as long as you are honest and responsible. pg.37
🐰 The truth is that we act the way we feel, we feel the way we think, and we think the way we believe. pg.47
🐰 Like stained glass, our different personalities reflect God's light in many colors and patterns. pg. 93
🐰 Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. pg.157
🐰 Questions:
1. How have your early life experiences shaped your life?
2. What are the open doors and closed doors in your life?
3. Write down your calling statement.
4. Write down several desires and passions that have consumed your life?
5. What needs of the world do you vibrate to? What are some potential organizations you can reach out to serve in some capacity?
Format: Paperback
Date Read: June 15, 2019🐇
Title: 🥕
Review: 🥕🥕🥕
🐰 Some interesting topics in here
First Page Nibble:
🐰 Throughout my teens and early twenties, I searched for meaning and purpose in the wrong things-things left me empty. First, I turned to possessions and wealth. Growing up, I had this dream to live in a five-bedroom house on a golf estate and to drive a Porsche. I remember the first car I drove was an almost new Mazda 6. It was a beautiful-looking sedan. Within a few months, I grew tired of it and wanted to drive a BMW.
Quotes:
🐰 ...people today are searching for meaning and fulfillment in all areas of life. pg.3
🐰 These messages from the media work to convince you that you desperately need a certain product or service. If you don't get it, you are missing out. These voices say you are fat. You are ugly. You need the latest gadgets to make you happy. Sex, lust, and immorality are perfectly acceptable as long as you are honest and responsible. pg.37
🐰 The truth is that we act the way we feel, we feel the way we think, and we think the way we believe. pg.47
🐰 Like stained glass, our different personalities reflect God's light in many colors and patterns. pg. 93
🐰 Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. pg.157
🐰 Questions:
1. How have your early life experiences shaped your life?
2. What are the open doors and closed doors in your life?
3. Write down your calling statement.
4. Write down several desires and passions that have consumed your life?
5. What needs of the world do you vibrate to? What are some potential organizations you can reach out to serve in some capacity?
Format: Paperback
Date Read: June 15, 2019🐇
September 22, 2023
I thought this book was going to be about why the author felt unfulfilled at his job and how he transitioned to his new career. Instead, he mentions a bit about leaving his job in the foreward and afterward, but the bulk of this book is a generic 'be the best you can be' message with very little application. I underlined a few things, but I got tired of the pithy sayings such as 'be an Eagle, not a chicken,' the lengthy quotations, not just from the Bible, but from Ravi Zacharias (pre-scandal), and the phrase 'sweet spot,' which I believe is in here at least 115 times. I cringed every time I read it- it's like how some people view the word 'moist.' Overall, this was somewhat disappointing.
July 7, 2022
I hated this Jesus book. I left it in the free library at camp and it’s been 2 years later as I write this review and it’s still there. Good for you for changing your life for Jesus but I’m set thanks sorry!
August 21, 2019
Great read for anyone struggling to determine their calling. Questions at the end of each chapter are extremely helpful for helping you discover your passions and find out more about yourself.
March 27, 2017
Calling all Millennials, those who are younger and those who are older, are still trying to figure out what "you're going to be when you grow up?" Stop looking! In Quarter-Life Calling: Pursuing Your God-Given Purpose in Your Twenties by Paul Sohn he talks about how during your twenties, that is when you will experience the crisis to find your sweet spot or calling as you try to climb the ladder in your career, but success isn't climbing the ladder. Do you want to know how've you really made success in life? Through having a relationship with Christ. It seems too simple right? It is that simple, but in our culture, that can be so hard and often we can lose that in translation with what the world defines as success. This book is so encouraging and I love how Paul reminds the reader to live for an audience of one. How many times are we living for an audience of everyone else? In the end we all have to give an account for the days of our life, not for anyone else, just for one, so let's make sure it's for an audience of one, not for everyone else. I also love all the reflection and questions in the back of this book. I don't think this book is just for the twenty something, I think this book is for any age. I think this book has great reminders no matter your age and I think in this culture, we can learn something from those who are younger and those who are older. I encourage you to pick up a copy and also to give this to those who may be at your church who are in their twenties trying to figure out what they are doing with their life. They might thank you later. I give this book 5/5 stars because I think this author is right on point! A favorable review was not required and I was given a copy by Faith Words.
April 5, 2017
Quarter-Life Calling by Paul Sohn is a fantastic book for anyone who has a desire to discover and begin pursuing their God-given purpose, especially in their twenties.
This book is an absolute must read!!! Paul takes and honest approach to revealing how anyone who desires to discover their purpose in life can.
There are so many vital insights shared throughout that can change readers lives, if they are willing to apply the principles shared in their lives.
Some of the most notable topics include: stewardship, discovering our true identity, developing our gifts and honoring God in everything that we do.
This book would have been a Godsend for me to have at age 18, before graduating from high school and heading off to college…if I was wise enough to read it. It could have helped me make better decisions and begin walking in God’s purpose for my life much sooner.
I truly believe that this book should be required reading for teens, undergraduates and honestly anyone who has a desire to hit reset and begin pursuing God’s purpose for their lives.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is sick and tired of running the rat race, wants more out of life and has a genuine desire to fulfill their God-given purpose.
This book is an absolute must read!!! Paul takes and honest approach to revealing how anyone who desires to discover their purpose in life can.
There are so many vital insights shared throughout that can change readers lives, if they are willing to apply the principles shared in their lives.
Some of the most notable topics include: stewardship, discovering our true identity, developing our gifts and honoring God in everything that we do.
This book would have been a Godsend for me to have at age 18, before graduating from high school and heading off to college…if I was wise enough to read it. It could have helped me make better decisions and begin walking in God’s purpose for my life much sooner.
I truly believe that this book should be required reading for teens, undergraduates and honestly anyone who has a desire to hit reset and begin pursuing God’s purpose for their lives.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is sick and tired of running the rat race, wants more out of life and has a genuine desire to fulfill their God-given purpose.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews