There are good reasons not to pursue your life’s passion in your work.
The stories of two coworkers.
The first, Diedre can be cynical and unenthusiastic at work. She is competent and gets things done. However, she does not take on extra projects or push for the next level. A common statement from her was: “I am here because my husband is self-employed and we need the health insurance.
Bill is in a similar situation. “I took this position to provide for our family while my wife is in grad school. I don’t want to continue in this field. However, it gives me the flexibility to be available and care for the kids. When she completes school, I will be able to start my own business.”
If you don’t love what you’re doing, why are you doing it?
In today’s world there is a constant push to follow your passion in your work. Do you have to be fulfilled in your work? What if you are pursuing work for the utility of it, like Deidre and Bill?
Comparing Deidre and Bill situations it appears Bill is fulfilling a necessary step en route to what is next for him. His passion is starting a business.
Deidre is a grandmother living near her kids and grandkids. What is most important to her is a low-pressure, no stress work life that provides income and healthcare. Her passion is her family.
I believe pursuing your life’s purpose is important. However, your purpose does not have to be your work.
For many our work is our passion. The business owner, doctor, executive director of a nonprofit are all pursuing their passion.
Their passion is their work.
However, there are plenty of reasons to pursue work you are not passionate about. The work may be an integral part of you achieving your passion. Your work may serve as a stepping stone, a key piece of a larger picture, or possibly a test of your curiosity or capability.
A stepping stone. You cannot lead a business without some experience in the industry. Taking a position in that industry that you are not passionate about builds that experience.
A key piece of the big picture. To pursue being an actor or artist you have to support yourself to live. We are all familiar with stereotypes of artists working as servers in restaurants to pursue their dreams. Your work may provide the funding to pursue your passion.
A test. I wonder what it is like to work in the travel/construction/financial/health/(fill in the blank) industry? Every work experience informs our path forward and may present new opportunities.
Defining your passion is what is most important. Understanding how your work supports that passion is next.
What is your passion? What do you love to do?
If your work is your passion, great! Your work does not have to be your passion!
If your work is not your passion, how does your work support you to pursue your passion?
