I should clarify a little. I think there is a lot of pressure in Christian circles to be X, Y, and Z. As my thoughts have changed, and I have been more open with some of those closest to me, I realize the expectations were difficult for many.
For example, I have been in church my whole life, and was very involved many of those years. It seemed like many around me were having "God speaking/calling me moments" all of the time, it just wasn't happening to me. The only time I came close to having those moments were during what I now consider "heavily emotional/psychological" moments. (i.e. alter calls, Christian summer camps etc.) Others have had similar experiences. I have heard time and again that people didn't understand why they didn't have the same connection with God that others seemed to have.
Then I started watching the "new Christian" phenomenon (my phrase LOL). It didn't take much for me to see that friends who "became Christians" were all of a sudden having the Jesus moments all of the time also.
So, is it bad to believe that God is calling, no. I think great things come through these times. Amy, I am sure your sense of calling will bring wonderful things. The down side is that if failure comes or "our calling" doesn't quite work out it can effect our "connection" with God. We may be hard on ourselves, feel as if we disappointed God, and others may look at us in a harsh way, etc. etc.
One last example. Our church has been transforming to a more "emergingish" church. We used to have approx. 600 plus attendees. We have been running under 100 now, with probably half being new attendees. Our pastors felt they needed to take it this direction, that it is worth the pain, and difficulty to do so. Many, including myself, are grateful for this direction. Honestly, I had more "Jesus moments" in the last year than any other time in my life. However, if you asked many of the 500 others (that left), they think that this direction was not God, and just ego driven, that God isn't present in our church any longer, and "God called them" to find another church.
So it is always an interesting idea. No matter what our beliefs or faith backgrounds, "God calls people", but if you lined up the callings, many times they are completely contradictory or headed in very different directions. That is why I struggle with this idea. I think it is ok to feel called by God, but we need to be open to the possibility of other things. Especially in times where our "calling" doesn't quite go the right direction, we can be forgiving of ourselves and continue seeking God.
What I think about the signs of being called by God depends upon my base assumptions.
If I assume that there is a God, and that God has a personal interest in who I am, and that God acts in such a way as to draw human beings into the service of God, then I am more likely to identify these symptoms as a calling from God.
If my belief system does not allow for a personal God who interacts with individual humans, I am more likely to interpret these symptoms as arising from my own need to make changes in my life.
If I don't believe in God or am highly resistant to the idea that God would call on me, yet identify this insistent yearning as originating in God, I'm in for a spiritual journey which will be carried out in accordance with who I am.