[CosmicRose]

I'm trying to find a job in this economy and all I keep hearing is "do what you love to do", "follow your passion", but all of the jobs or careers out there don't light a fire in my heart at all. I considered health care, office jobs, modeling, retail, teaching, psychology, even the food service industry but I honestly don't care about any of those things to put the next 40 years of my life into. I see other people working in jobs that wouldn't be seen by anyone as a "passion" such as office management, electricians, even cops or paramedics - everyone I know just works for the money and bites the bullet as far as passion goes. Is there something wrong with me, or is the whole "follow your passion and you'll never have to work a day in your life" a big corporate joke?

[ChildlikeEmpress]

I do something I love for a living, but I wouldn't exactly say I never work a day in my life. It's still plenty of work, but because I love it, that keeps me going. I started my own business, because I was always miserable working in the public. Maybe there is something you already enjoy doing that could be turned into a business?

[CosmicRose]

Owning my own business is actually the only thing I would enjoy passionately. I've thought about it countless times and I even have a plan and an idea just sitting in my head. I guess I'm just worried about it being a pipe-dream and not a realistic success. Working for other people makes me miserable but somehow seems more stable - just writing that made me realize how false it is. You can't be stable and miserable.

Dear Rose,

I have been facing similar dilemma for a number of years. I have come to terms with it now by concluding that in an ideal world, I might be doing what is my passion. My job, my hobby and my interests would align into a singular activity. But in the real world, that is not the case for various reasons although there are some people who have lives like that.

In the real world, everyone is given certain situations and challenges which they have to deal with and usually the passion and interest has to be sacrificed or at least set aside for a while. So in my case, I am trying to keep a job and earn some money. I try to support my family, live a decent life and in the process, attempt to figure out what is my meaning here in this world.

Another variable which make the equation difficult is human nature. As we grow and mature, we tend to develop new interests and get bored of what we already have. So the pursuit of passion becomes tackling of a shape shifting demon. So one cannot truly deal with this matter without bumping into dead-ends...

Good luck any way!

[geis]

For some people it works. Those people have an incredible privilege, and most of them don't realize it at all. It's just not possible for everyone. I mean, someone still has to fill potholes and deliver pizzas and stock shelves. That's just the reality of the situation.

There are tons of factors that keep people from doing what they love. I can't do what I love because I have a physical disability that makes it impossible for me to stand for more than a few minutes, which is necessary in my dream job. Others can't access the level of education required. Some people can't afford to take the pay cut because they have mortgages, student loans, and families to take care of.

"Follow your passion" is, in my opinion, well-meaning advice that usually comes from privileged people who have no understanding of their own privilege, so it becomes incredibly frustrating.

[Slamjammer]

Sit down and make a list of things you really enjoy doing. Next, make a list of things you are good at....things for which you have a natural aptitude. If you are unsure, there are a number of online tests that can evaluate your natural abilities, and score you in various areas...like administration, sales, organization, people-oriented, etc. etc.

When you have completed both lists, pick your #1 aptitude and look at the items on your "passion" list. Try to imagine ways they can work together and fit into some sort of job description. Then take your #2 aptitude, and repeat the process. Continue matching up aptitude with passion and thinking of possible job descriptions. When you are done, you'll have described several employment opportunities, some of which may be new to you, and you can refocus your efforts.

I think it's necessary to match abilities with "passion"; otherwise you will become very frustrated. For example, I love to play music, but I wouldn't presume to call myself a musician, nor would I try to make a living at it. On the other hand, I'm very good with numbers, have good organizational skills, and enjoy helping people with their finances...so I became a banker.

Trying to find your place in our world today can be a daunting task. Take an organized, systematic approach in evaluating yourself and the task will be much easier.

Good luck to you!

[brainhi]

Some people chose a job to bring in $ to enjoy there other passions? Many times a job is not the most important thing in their life. My career has been the most important thing in my life for most of my life.

[Slamjammer]

I think that whatever we do to support ourselves financially must provide us with some form of gratification beyond a paycheck. Some aspect of our work must be satisfying and emotionally rewarding, or it will amount to nothing more than a "job", with little self fulfillment. This leads to unhappiness and burnout.

My brother-in-law is a good example. He's a brick mason. For him, starting a new project is like an artist with a blank canvass. He's meticulous about perfectly straight lines, clean mortar joints, beautifully executed archways and intricate patterns. Sure, he is sought after and well paid....but the most important thing to him is being able to stand back and say "I did that".

[CosmicRose]

I need to be able to stand back and say, "I did that" as well. I like using my hands to create and craft things. I lean towards the artistic way of life so I tend to consider jobs such as chef/baker, entrepreneur/crafts, selling things I actually make as opposed to paper pushing in an office. I would go into health care but my anxiety prevents me from taking someone else's health into my own hands, that's too much pressure. I'm not authoritarian so being in the law field doesn't suit my personality. Psychology would be interesting but I can already see that burnout from a mile away. Teaching would also burn me out. I just don't know where my skills and personality are needed in a certain field, or if I'm just destined to be a starving artist.

[offthegrid]

Try this: Get an idea (or several) or people who have done what you think may want to do and are successful at it. Take what worked for them and adapt it to your situation. Where you are isn't unusual and yes, you can do something you enjoy for money. You may have to be super persistent and you may have to do other things in the meantime.

[Tommo]

I guess this is where my quest has led me. Yep. Following my passion is what I need to do...but it seems that every obstacle in the world is holding me back...

At 63...I'm starting to say "why bother". But I well and truly understand that I'll just be depressed and sullen if I throw in the towel.....

This is effecting my whole life. Poorly.

[Tommo]

Originally Posted by Slamjammer

I think that whatever we do to support ourselves financially must provide us with some form of gratification beyond a paycheck. Some aspect of our work must be satisfying and emotionally rewarding, or it will amount to nothing more than a "job", with little self fulfillment. This leads to unhappiness and burnout.

My brother-in-law is a good example. He's a brick mason. For him, starting a new project is like an artist with a blank canvass. He's meticulous about perfectly straight lines, clean mortar joints, beautifully executed archways and intricate patterns. Sure, he is sought after and well paid....but the most important thing to him is being able to stand back and say "I did that".

Your first paragraph brought me to this site. That's pretty much my whole problem.....

[Crazy Hitch]

Originally Posted by CosmicRose

I'm trying to find a job in this economy and all I keep hearing is "do what you love to do", "follow your passion", but all of the jobs or careers out there don't light a fire in my heart at all. I considered health care, office jobs, modeling, retail, teaching, psychology, even the food service industry but I honestly don't care about any of those things to put the next 40 years of my life into. I see other people working in jobs that wouldn't be seen by anyone as a "passion" such as office management, electricians, even cops or paramedics - everyone I know just works for the money and bites the bullet as far as passion goes. Is there something wrong with me, or is the whole "follow your passion and you'll never have to work a day in your life" a big corporate joke?

Unfortunately or fortunately I'm in a position of having to look for a career change due to a recent episode and getting a really bad reputation at work. I'm going to battle to find decent referees for future employment.

[brainhi]

The game is usually played from the "perception" of whoever signs the paycheck. It's a tough game and does not always turn out well - played it a lot. Hooligan, may those at your next stop value your abilities!

[Webgoji]

Originally Posted by CosmicRose

Is there something wrong with me, or is the whole "follow your passion and you'll never have to work a day in your life" a big corporate joke?

Originally Posted by geis

For some people it works. Those people have an incredible privilege, and most of them don't realize it at all. It's just not possible for everyone. I mean, someone still has to fill potholes and deliver pizzas and stock shelves. That's just the reality of the situation.

Followingr you passion doesn't always mean you'll be working in a very specific job that easily details your drive in life. As Geis says, someone still has to fill potholes and stock shelves ... but that doesn't mean they aren't chasing their dream.

Take me for example; I'm an aerospace laboratory technician. It's so far from my "passion" it's not even funny. BUT ... it puts food on the table. It looks like I'm not following my passion, but ... maybe I am.

I've written 3 books that were all rejected and the last one was on the editor's desk before they concluded that they wouldn't be able to sell the subject matter. I've been through some frustrations and I'm completely revamping how I'll go about establishing a career as a writer, but I'm still chasing that passion. Did I fail? Hell no, I'll quit trying on the day I die. Until then I'm still going to keep trying to be a professional writer.

So what I'm saying is you need a job to pay the bills; filling potholes, teaching, material testing. But after the bills are paid, chase that passion. Develop your business plan, confirm you have the clientele you have available, learn what you need for business loans, develop product offerings.

And if you stumble? You've still got that job paying the bills so redevelop that business plan, change clientele and keep digging! It's impossible to fail because you'll just back up and hit that beast from a different angle!

[CapedCrusader]

Thanks for sharing... It's about how happy you are in your job. Like you are enjoying it everyday. And when you enjoy your job, you won't feel any tiring day, because you love your job. NO PAIN, NO GAIN.

[robparker]

Originally Posted by CosmicRose

Is there something wrong with me, or is the whole "follow your passion and you'll never have to work a day in your life" a big corporate joke?

It kind of is, depends on how you look at it What people literally think when they hear "follow you passion" mantra, is "your work will be 100% pleasure". And this is what helps to sell these books that promise to teach you how to get there, or whatever it is they sell.

In reality I think there is no such thing as "100% pleasure job". I have heard a story about this acclaimed actor, who was praised as a genius. Was his job his passion? Of course it was, you can't achieve so much if you don't love what you do! Was it 100% pleasure? To the last day he was throwing up before the start of the show being terrified of going out on the stage and performing in front of so many people. Something to think about, right?