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Should I do the thing with most money or my passion?
why should I follow my passions
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9 answers
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Gregory’s Answer
The previous comments are all good answers to a terrific and thoughtful question. My answer, go with what you love. Also, have a fall back plan. The following is my experience.
In 1978 I left a secure job as a cinematographer with NBC. Why? Because I wasn't getting the assignments that I wanted, namely documentaries. I knew that it wasn't because of my abilities, it was simple, the network needed me elsewhere. At the time I may have been impetuous for leaving because the network was treating me well, but I was pigheaded . I JUST want to film documentaries! The network I left hired me as a freelancer to do a documentary about China which was an 8 week assignment.
That's what I did for 40+ years, documentaries, magazine shows, some commercials and made for TV movies. My point is that I did what I loved. Made a decent living, travelled to all 50 states and about 80 countries. It was a wonderful, fun, exciting and rewarding career. The fall back plan? Go back to the networks, with hat in hand and ask for a staff job.
FOLLOW YOUR HEART AND DO WHAT YOU LOVE, IT WON'T FEEL LIKE A JOB!
In 1978 I left a secure job as a cinematographer with NBC. Why? Because I wasn't getting the assignments that I wanted, namely documentaries. I knew that it wasn't because of my abilities, it was simple, the network needed me elsewhere. At the time I may have been impetuous for leaving because the network was treating me well, but I was pigheaded . I JUST want to film documentaries! The network I left hired me as a freelancer to do a documentary about China which was an 8 week assignment.
That's what I did for 40+ years, documentaries, magazine shows, some commercials and made for TV movies. My point is that I did what I loved. Made a decent living, travelled to all 50 states and about 80 countries. It was a wonderful, fun, exciting and rewarding career. The fall back plan? Go back to the networks, with hat in hand and ask for a staff job.
FOLLOW YOUR HEART AND DO WHAT YOU LOVE, IT WON'T FEEL LIKE A JOB!
Updated
Tara’s Answer
Hey Alex,
This was a question that weighed heavy on my mind as I entered college. It's a good question! Ultimately, it depends on what you'd like to spend the majority of your time doing. Remember, you're dedicating hours and hours of your life to whatever career you choose to pursue. I believe that "success" and being "rich" more so equates to being happy, feeling fulfilled, and living a life that you love. I don't believe that being rich or successful really has much to do with money because money will never truly and fully satisfy you. My honest advice: chase after your passions. Find a way to turn your passion into a job that will provide for you. If your passion can't be turned into a job, find a job that you enjoy doing that will provide, but continue to chase after your passions.
This was a question that weighed heavy on my mind as I entered college. It's a good question! Ultimately, it depends on what you'd like to spend the majority of your time doing. Remember, you're dedicating hours and hours of your life to whatever career you choose to pursue. I believe that "success" and being "rich" more so equates to being happy, feeling fulfilled, and living a life that you love. I don't believe that being rich or successful really has much to do with money because money will never truly and fully satisfy you. My honest advice: chase after your passions. Find a way to turn your passion into a job that will provide for you. If your passion can't be turned into a job, find a job that you enjoy doing that will provide, but continue to chase after your passions.
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
This is a question I have asked myself multiple times and the answer was always the same- if I have a passion for it I CAN make money doing it but if it doesn't provide me any excitement or purpose then I will not be happy. LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO NOT BE HAPPY.
The things i've made the most $$ were ALL things that I was fired up about!! Follow that passion baby!!!
The things i've made the most $$ were ALL things that I was fired up about!! Follow that passion baby!!!
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Nadia’s Answer
I don't what is your passion, but these days often things that we consider as our passions can bring the money too ;)
Keep in mind that even well-paid jobs can lose their profitability due to factors like AI or market trends. It's important to stay adaptable and open to new opportunities.
If I were you, I'd try to find a consensus and look for a well-paid job that is enjoyable enough to do with motivation or check if my passion could also bring enough money.
A simple exercise you can do is list words describing your passion from a perspective of talent, happiness, and values. For example, if someone likes playing volleyball, they could list physical activity, being outdoors, being part of a team, competition, and healthy living. Then, try to look for other careers that require or cover the words/phrases from the list. Following the example of volleyball, that person could consider organizing sports events, becoming a coach or referee, being a dietitian for a sports team, etc.
Keep in mind that even well-paid jobs can lose their profitability due to factors like AI or market trends. It's important to stay adaptable and open to new opportunities.
If I were you, I'd try to find a consensus and look for a well-paid job that is enjoyable enough to do with motivation or check if my passion could also bring enough money.
A simple exercise you can do is list words describing your passion from a perspective of talent, happiness, and values. For example, if someone likes playing volleyball, they could list physical activity, being outdoors, being part of a team, competition, and healthy living. Then, try to look for other careers that require or cover the words/phrases from the list. Following the example of volleyball, that person could consider organizing sports events, becoming a coach or referee, being a dietitian for a sports team, etc.
Updated
Nik’s Answer
This is a great question and one that I am currently wrestling with. My advice is to think it through with a long-term perspective. If you choose money, will you eventually get to a place where you aren't satisfied? I know people who have a passion for making money and are very happy with whatever work they do provided it is bringing in an impressive income. I know others who have a passion for pursuits that are less lucrative and don't seem bothered at all that they need to do with less. It could also help to find people who have walked the path of passion that you are considering and ask them about their experience. You might find that they have been able to make as much money as they need and enjoy the satisfaction, fulfillment, and fullness of following their heart.
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Yisel’s Answer
Hey there, Alex!
Just remember, when you pursue your passion, prosperity tends to follow. It's like a universal rule! Even the ancient Egyptians, who tried to take their wealth to the afterlife, ended up getting their tombs raided. So, it's not all about the money, right?
Now, take a moment and think about what really lights your fire. Is it cooking? Well, you could become a fantastic chef and make a comfortable living out of it. Or maybe you love to draw? Becoming an artist could be your calling! The possibilities are as vast as the sky itself.
Take some quiet time, sit down, and jot down what you're passionate about. This will provide a great starting point for your research and help you find the path that's right for you.
Just remember, when you pursue your passion, prosperity tends to follow. It's like a universal rule! Even the ancient Egyptians, who tried to take their wealth to the afterlife, ended up getting their tombs raided. So, it's not all about the money, right?
Now, take a moment and think about what really lights your fire. Is it cooking? Well, you could become a fantastic chef and make a comfortable living out of it. Or maybe you love to draw? Becoming an artist could be your calling! The possibilities are as vast as the sky itself.
Take some quiet time, sit down, and jot down what you're passionate about. This will provide a great starting point for your research and help you find the path that's right for you.
Updated
Frank’s Answer
That's a classic dilemma, isn't it? Here are some thoughts to consider:
1. **Fulfillment**: Passion can provide a deeper sense of fulfillment and happiness. When you love what you do, it often doesn't feel like work.
2. **Financial Security**: Money is important for stability and comfort. Pursuing a high-paying job can give you the resources to support yourself and your loved ones.
3. **Longevity**: It's easier to sustain a career over the long term if you're passionate about it. Burnout is less likely when you're doing something you love.
4. **Balance**: Sometimes it's possible to find a middle ground—maybe a job that pays well but also aligns with your interests, or a high-paying job that allows time to pursue your passions on the side.
5. **Growth**: Passion can lead to continuous learning and improvement, keeping you engaged and motivated to push your boundaries.
6. **Risk**: Weigh the risks involved. Passion projects can sometimes be uncertain or take longer to become financially viable.
Ultimately, it's a balance of what feels right for you.
1. **Fulfillment**: Passion can provide a deeper sense of fulfillment and happiness. When you love what you do, it often doesn't feel like work.
2. **Financial Security**: Money is important for stability and comfort. Pursuing a high-paying job can give you the resources to support yourself and your loved ones.
3. **Longevity**: It's easier to sustain a career over the long term if you're passionate about it. Burnout is less likely when you're doing something you love.
4. **Balance**: Sometimes it's possible to find a middle ground—maybe a job that pays well but also aligns with your interests, or a high-paying job that allows time to pursue your passions on the side.
5. **Growth**: Passion can lead to continuous learning and improvement, keeping you engaged and motivated to push your boundaries.
6. **Risk**: Weigh the risks involved. Passion projects can sometimes be uncertain or take longer to become financially viable.
Ultimately, it's a balance of what feels right for you.
Alexis Camins
IT Manager at Los Angeles County - Professional Actor
35
Answers
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
Great question and pretty much an existential question. What should our life’s purpose be?
Sadly, pursuing one’s passion is often correlated with a profession that isn’t stable or where few gain financial stability: artist, professional athlete, musician. I get it. But who says your passion can't be a source of financial stability? And who says you can't find joy and fulfillment in something you didn't necessarily see as a passion?
Speaking as a parent, there are ways to Do What You Love and also Love What You Do. Get a good, solid education and apply for entry level positions where you can learn skills they can transfer to both a passion or a plain ol' job. But at the same time, continue to learn and be involved in what you love to do and see where it takes you. You don't have to close that door.
Also, learn about careers that are more stable around what you love. Being an artist might be risky, but pursuing a day job in arts administration may give you stability and be close to what you enjoy.
Speaking as an artist though, I say GO FOR WHAT YOU LOVE. You only live once, you're only young once. Take a risk, take a chance while you can. It gets harder to take those risks when you have a family to support. Swing for the fences!
Sadly, pursuing one’s passion is often correlated with a profession that isn’t stable or where few gain financial stability: artist, professional athlete, musician. I get it. But who says your passion can't be a source of financial stability? And who says you can't find joy and fulfillment in something you didn't necessarily see as a passion?
Speaking as a parent, there are ways to Do What You Love and also Love What You Do. Get a good, solid education and apply for entry level positions where you can learn skills they can transfer to both a passion or a plain ol' job. But at the same time, continue to learn and be involved in what you love to do and see where it takes you. You don't have to close that door.
Also, learn about careers that are more stable around what you love. Being an artist might be risky, but pursuing a day job in arts administration may give you stability and be close to what you enjoy.
Speaking as an artist though, I say GO FOR WHAT YOU LOVE. You only live once, you're only young once. Take a risk, take a chance while you can. It gets harder to take those risks when you have a family to support. Swing for the fences!
Updated
Darya’s Answer
Deciding whether to pursue a path that offers more financial gain versus one that aligns with your passions is a common dilemma. Here are some reasons to consider following your passions:
-Engaging in work that you are passionate about can lead to greater happiness and life satisfaction. When you enjoy what you do, it doesn’t feel like a chore, and you’re more likely to feel fulfilled.
- Passion often fuels intrinsic motivation, which can lead to a stronger work ethic and greater perseverance. When you care about what you're doing, you're likely to put in the effort required to excel.
-Pursuing your passion can foster creativity, helping you come up with unique ideas or solutions that you might not explore in a more conventional job focused solely on money.
- While a high-paying job may offer immediate financial rewards, a career built on passion can lead to long-term success and personal growth. Passionate individuals are often more adaptable and open to learning, which can lead to new opportunities.
- Passion-driven work allows you to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Networking with others who share your interests can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
-If challenges arise (which they often do in any career), having a passion for your work can help you push through difficult times. You're more likely to remain committed to your goals when you genuinely care about what you're doing.
- Following your passion might allow you to make a positive impact in your field or community. This sense of contributing to something greater can bring immense satisfaction and meaning to your life.
Ultimately, the best path may be a combination of both — finding ways to incorporate your passions into a viable career that also meets your financial needs. Consider exploring options where you can balance your interests and financial goals, or finding ways to pursue your passion as a side project while maintaining financial stability. With love, Darya
-Engaging in work that you are passionate about can lead to greater happiness and life satisfaction. When you enjoy what you do, it doesn’t feel like a chore, and you’re more likely to feel fulfilled.
- Passion often fuels intrinsic motivation, which can lead to a stronger work ethic and greater perseverance. When you care about what you're doing, you're likely to put in the effort required to excel.
-Pursuing your passion can foster creativity, helping you come up with unique ideas or solutions that you might not explore in a more conventional job focused solely on money.
- While a high-paying job may offer immediate financial rewards, a career built on passion can lead to long-term success and personal growth. Passionate individuals are often more adaptable and open to learning, which can lead to new opportunities.
- Passion-driven work allows you to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Networking with others who share your interests can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
-If challenges arise (which they often do in any career), having a passion for your work can help you push through difficult times. You're more likely to remain committed to your goals when you genuinely care about what you're doing.
- Following your passion might allow you to make a positive impact in your field or community. This sense of contributing to something greater can bring immense satisfaction and meaning to your life.
Ultimately, the best path may be a combination of both — finding ways to incorporate your passions into a viable career that also meets your financial needs. Consider exploring options where you can balance your interests and financial goals, or finding ways to pursue your passion as a side project while maintaining financial stability. With love, Darya