EduTalkIndia: May 2016

Friday 13 May 2016

Make your passion your career

The age old dilemma of pursuing a job versus following your passion is faced by several people. This question tends to gnaw at us, particularly while pursuing our graduation. Can one’s passion be their means of livelihood? If not, what should a student choose – their passion or a well-paying job?

Every individual wants to earn a living and enjoy their hobbies. A lucky few make a career out of their passion – they may become successful musicians, scientists, chefs, writers or actors. A majority of them however, take up a regular job to earn a living.

STRIKE THE RIGHT BALANCE
It is important to strike the right balance between your personal and professional aspirations. Your job should not restrict you from pursuing your passion simultaneously. Giving yourself adequate time to indulge in your passion will keep you motivated and rejuvenated, in turn, enabling you to give your best professionally.

MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE
The fault lies in the assumption that a job and your passion are mutually exclusive. This mindset often leads to a negative approach about your work. It is, therefore, important to not view your passion and job as two opposing ends of a spectrum. Instead, pursue a job in a field that interests you. Find a place where you can play your strengths and incorporate your passion into your work profile. For instance, if you are passionate about writing, pursue a career in journalism and work on the book you always dreamt of writing.

Opting for a career with the sole purpose of making money will lead you to an unsatisfying work life. It is thus crucial to explore various choices and identify a field of work that you are passionate about. This process could involve quitting a job that you don’t enjoy and instead discover your inclinations and preferences; identify a job role that relates to your interests and pursue a job that you will enjoy.

It is thus very important to find a job that you enjoy.