Chasing your passion as a profession can lead to burnout and financial instability. For years, we’ve been given well meaning advice to “do what you love” and find a job that aligns with our passions. On the face of it, this seems great advice in theory, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it can lead to bad outcomes for some. Instead, it’s time to ditch the outdated “do what you love” mantra and focus on building the life you love.
In today’s fast-paced, capitalistic society, the idea of following one’s passion can be impractical for many. With increasing student debt, economic inequality, and the need for financial stability, pursuing a passion professionally can be a luxury that not everyone can afford. Additionally, the pressure to monetize our hobbies can lead to a loss of enjoyment and increased stress in our lives. You may find that life as a jobbing musician may satisfy you artistically but not pay the bills. Opening an Etsy store or drop shipping firm can take some time to make profit and is not without effort and stress to set-up before it might be financially successful.
So, how can we find a balance between job satisfaction and personal fulfilment? Here are some actionable tips for building a life you love, without solely relying on doing what you love for a living:
Identify your values and priorities
When building a life you love, start by making a list of what truly matters to you in life, whether it’s financial security, family time, travel, or creative pursuits. Understanding your values and priorities can help guide your career choices and ensure you’re making decisions that align with the life you want to live. If you realise you need X dollars a month to live the life you want and pay the bills, that becomes a key criteria for a job or career you seek.
Pursue a fulfilling career, not just a passion
Instead of blindly chasing your passion, consider careers that provide a sense of fulfilment, offer opportunities for growth, and align with your values. While it might not be your dream job, a fulfilling career can still bring joy and satisfaction while allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Not everyone wants to be a nurse but many who find that vocation a calling do so because they find great fulfilment in helping others. It is unfortunate that nursing generally does not pay as well as other professions. If you can’t compromise the salary you need, perhaps reframe the possible set of careers you might follow that meet your fulfilment goal whilst still having the potential to pay the salary desired.
Seeking work-life balance will enhance everything
Focus on finding a job that offers a healthy balance between work and personal life, this is a key part of building a life you love. This can involve seeking flexible working arrangements, setting boundaries around work hours, and ensuring you have time for hobbies, relationships, and self-care outside of work. As a start-up founder, I loved what I was doing so much that I’d lose track of time and before I knew it, I’d have worked 80+ hours a week. This was not great for my family or social life. Also the pay was not great! An alternative might be to work fewer hours on a side hustle that I’m passionate about whilst also working a job that pays the bills and spending precious time with family and friends. Money will never buy back spending time you failed to spend watching your loved ones grow up.
Don’t forget your passions though
Just because you’re not pursuing your passion professionally doesn’t mean you should ignore it completely. Find ways to incorporate your passions into your life outside of work, whether it’s through hobbies, volunteering, or joining clubs and organizations related to your interests. As with the example of nursing mentioned earlier, where the passion was suggested to be helping others, you could help out and volunteer in many other forums e.g. you could be a part time teaching assistant at a school or help your elderly neighbours with chores.
Develop multiple income streams as a safety-net
If financial stability is a concern, consider developing multiple income streams to supplement your primary job. This could include freelance work, part-time gigs, or even passive income from investments or rental properties. By diversifying your income, you can create a financial safety net that allows you more freedom to explore your passions without the pressure of relying on them for your livelihood. It can be devasting if your passion results in you working a job that you love and then you lose that job for some reason. Suddenly your carefully crafted life plan may fall apart and you need to regroup and start over. If you have multiple streams of income, you have the safety net to be able to take your time to find the right next job or spend time working on your passion and only taking a part-time job for instance. It takes planning but this will open up a lot of freedom of choice for you.
Focus on personal growth and development
Continuously invest in yourself by learning new skills, taking courses, and attending workshops related to your interests will help in building a life you love. This can help you grow both personally and professionally, providing new opportunities and potential career paths to explore.
Network with like-minded individuals
Surround yourself with people who share your values and support your goals. Networking with like-minded individuals can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and friendships that can enrich your life and help you build the life you love. In my past jobs, the ones I’ve found most fulfilling are those that surround me with smart people that are approachable and I feel like I’m learning every day but then my passion includes a thirst for knowledge. Try to figure out how you can use those around you to enhance your experience of day to day life, be that at work or as part of your shared passion. A passion shared is a passion that will shine and is at the forefront of building a life you love.
“A passion shared is a passion that will shine!”
In conclusion
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Building a life you love is not just about following your passions. Be open to change and willing to adapt your career path or goals as needed. This can help you stay resilient and make the most of new opportunities that come your way. Always be prepared to challenge societal expectations, define for yourself what success looks like. It’s okay to prioritize work-life balance, personal fulfilment, and happiness over climbing the corporate ladder or achieving a high-paying job. Remember, success is subjective, and it’s up to you to decide what it means to you not just blindly accept what others say.
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