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If you have narrowed it down to 3 careers you want to have and you have passion for all 3, is it possible to have all of them or incorporate them into your main career?
I want to be a psychologist who can understand and help people with their problems( emotionally, mentally, and spiritually), I want also to be a writer and write books that are funny and relatable as well as impactful for they could help someone one day. I would also like to have my own business as a start of a family business so I have a legacy to pass down.
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Kevin’s Answer
I think this is a great question because it shows all the things you are interested in and asks whether or not it's possible for them to coexist, rather than to think you have to pick and choose. I think there are a couple ways to think about this.
The first way is to think about timing and balance. Depending on the place in your life and where you want to be, becoming one of your three aspirations may be more timely for you now while you develop the foundations in other areas.
The second way to approach this is asking yourself is it the outcome you care about (i.e. helping people with their problems, helping people through your words, have a legacy to pass down) or is it the achievement itself you care about (i.e. becoming a psychologist, becoming a writer, owning a business)? You can help others without becoming a psychologist, you can use your thoughtful writing to positively impact people at scale without being a full-time writer, and you can have a legacy to pass down without owning a business.
For example, a lot of professionals who thought about becoming professional coaches are able to fulfill the desire to help others by becoming a manager or mentor instead of a full-time coach. Managers and mentors are able to be mental, emotional, and professional guides to individuals too. Unlike professional coaches, however, they're not doing it 100% of the time. They realize that giving mentorship 10-20% of the time through being a people manager or career mentor is plenty fulfilling and gives them the ability to juggle other areas of their lives.
Even if you decided to start in a corporate job, there is plenty of opportunity to write, help others, and learn how to build a business. I once had a direct report who worked in a corporate environment for several years, saved up a lot of the money she made, and went to a top tier program to become a psychologist.
On the topic of owning a business, you could have your own private practice as a psychologist/therapist. After several years (i.e. 5+ years) your practice could have a book of business, network, and reputation that can be sold or handed down as your legacy. While you're running your private practice, it would be very natural to write articles, thought leadership pieces, or newsletters to help market your business while helping others.
The coolest thing though is that because you know you want to help people, you want to write, and you want to be a business owner - no matter what you do - you will always approach your work with a mindset that empowers others, thoughtfully communicates, and builds for the long term. I hope this helps you get into a framework of thinking that helps you map your goals relative to what matters to you and where you want to be at the various points of your life.
The first way is to think about timing and balance. Depending on the place in your life and where you want to be, becoming one of your three aspirations may be more timely for you now while you develop the foundations in other areas.
The second way to approach this is asking yourself is it the outcome you care about (i.e. helping people with their problems, helping people through your words, have a legacy to pass down) or is it the achievement itself you care about (i.e. becoming a psychologist, becoming a writer, owning a business)? You can help others without becoming a psychologist, you can use your thoughtful writing to positively impact people at scale without being a full-time writer, and you can have a legacy to pass down without owning a business.
For example, a lot of professionals who thought about becoming professional coaches are able to fulfill the desire to help others by becoming a manager or mentor instead of a full-time coach. Managers and mentors are able to be mental, emotional, and professional guides to individuals too. Unlike professional coaches, however, they're not doing it 100% of the time. They realize that giving mentorship 10-20% of the time through being a people manager or career mentor is plenty fulfilling and gives them the ability to juggle other areas of their lives.
Even if you decided to start in a corporate job, there is plenty of opportunity to write, help others, and learn how to build a business. I once had a direct report who worked in a corporate environment for several years, saved up a lot of the money she made, and went to a top tier program to become a psychologist.
On the topic of owning a business, you could have your own private practice as a psychologist/therapist. After several years (i.e. 5+ years) your practice could have a book of business, network, and reputation that can be sold or handed down as your legacy. While you're running your private practice, it would be very natural to write articles, thought leadership pieces, or newsletters to help market your business while helping others.
The coolest thing though is that because you know you want to help people, you want to write, and you want to be a business owner - no matter what you do - you will always approach your work with a mindset that empowers others, thoughtfully communicates, and builds for the long term. I hope this helps you get into a framework of thinking that helps you map your goals relative to what matters to you and where you want to be at the various points of your life.
Updated
Amber’s Answer
There are numerous methods to integrate all three elements. If you're passionate about something and have the necessary skills, you can certainly mold them into a specific role. It's also feasible to create a role that includes the activities you enjoy. For instance, I have a deep interest in coaching and diversity initiatives. I've consciously decided to include mentoring and coaching in my role. This is just one illustration.
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Jackie’s Answer
I definitely think so! If you are a psychologist, you could write books that are related to psychology. Maybe comedy that attracts people who normally shy away from therapy? Also, it’s possible once you get those up and running to have a business down the road or that you start with a partner that they run