Interesting, how your approach differs from ikigai, which can come to mind by association. Your perspective on a meaningful career offers some insights, though it contrasts with the ikigai in many key areas: you're cautious about chasing passion, emphasize external validation, distinguish between work and personal life, and highlight the evolving nature of meaning though one's life.

Still I believe it's not just about personal passion or external validation, but about aligning one's work with a higher purpose. So the concept of calling should not be relegated to the scrapyard.