When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A doctor? An astronaut? For most of us, those childhood dreams get pushed aside as we get older and face pressure from others about what we “should” do with our lives.
Your parents may have had expectations about you following a certain career path – maybe your dad wanted you to be a lawyer because it’s a prestigious, high-paying job. Your teachers, friends, and society at large also put expectations on you to pursue certain conventional roles.
Over time, you may have found yourself ignoring your own inner calling and passions in order to meet these external expectations and “shoulds.” But living a life that isn’t true to yourself is a surefire path to deep dissatisfaction and an unfulfilling career.
As the famous quote goes: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
It won’t be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is. Getting paid to do what you love is a revolutionary act in a world ruled by stifling convention. Let your hobbies lead the way into that rebellion toward a passionate, purposeful career you actually look forward to.
When you tap into the avocations and interests that you’re intrinsically drawn to, suddenly work doesn’t feel like…well, work. It feels like an engaging extension of the activities that already light you up.
That Doesn’t work, Actually.
That said, pursuing your passion as a career path won’t always be a straight line. There will be moments that push you. Clients are making demands that seem to contradict your vision. A passion project that doesn’t work out as you’d hoped, daunting you for a moment.
In those times, it would be easy to start doubting yourself and wonder if you’re really on the right track after all. The familiar, safe option of resigning yourself to uninspiring but stable work will start whispering its siren song of comfort
Find Your Calling
Maybe you’ve always loved working with your hands and building things, but fueled on channeled into a cubicle job. Or perhaps you have a creative soul that was stifled by the expectation to pursue something more “secure” and conventional. Reflect deeply on the activities and subjects that captivated you and gave you energy.
Then, get clear on the aspects of work that light you up or drain you. Make two lists – one of the environments, tasks, and skills that allow you to thrive. And another of work situations, responsibilities, and stressors you want to avoid at all costs because they make you miserable.
With this level of self-knowledge about your core passions, motivations, strengths, and deal-breakers, you can start to map out potential career paths and opportunities that could be a better fit. Don’t just chase money or status – seek roles that will allow you to make an impact in a way that feels genuinely meaningful and purposeful to you.
For some, that may mean work that betters society or your local community. For others, it could be a creative pursuit that allows you to leave your mark through art or innovation. The ultimate goal is to escape the hollow rat race and find a calling that enriches you on a deeper level.
Realigning your life and work with your true callings and values is no easy feat. It takes bravery to block out external noise and societal pressures. But it’s the only path to avoiding a crisis of existential regret later in life. Don’t settle for someone else’s dream – dig deep and have the courage to discover and embrace your own.
It won’t be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is. Getting paid to do what you love is a revolutionary act in a world ruled by stifling convention. Let your hobbies lead the way into that rebellion toward a passionate, purposeful career you actually look forward to.
The choice is yours: keep your hobbies as mere hobbies, amusing side-distractions from grueling work? Or use them as a compass to navigate toward finding your true calling and a life’s work you’re fired up about. I don’t know about you, but I’m choosing passion every single time.
