As the age-old saying by Mark Twain goes, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”. There has been a longstanding debate on whether to follow where the money is or to follow your passion and where your heart calls. Some even say it’s possible to do both!
However, realistically, not everyone is fortunate enough to find a job they love that pays well or vice versa, a high-paying job that they love. So, if you’re in the workforce or are looking to enter soon, this dilemma may have crossed your mind a few times.
Here are some things to consider if you’re stuck in a rut:
What do you want out of your career?
We’ve all had childhood dreams of what we wanted to be when we got older. Along the way, many of us may have pinpointed things we want out of a job. This can include things like dream company, work hours, location and salary.
So, take some time to think about what are some things that you would love to see at your future job! This helps you to see what is most important to you and what will motivate you, as well as what are some deal breakers when pursuing a career.
What do you need out of your career?
While it is good to have big dreams, it is also important to see whether your circumstances in real life align with these aspirations. So, assess what is actually needed at this point in your life!
For example, if you are a fresh graduate, your main career goal may be to get a high-paying job, so you can save up enough money for needs like buying a house or raising a family in the future. You may also be interested in jobs that allow you to climb the corporate ladder, so you can make a name for yourself.
On the other hand, if you’ve been working for a while now and have a stable amount of savings, maybe a breath of fresh air is what you need. You could consider a career switch to do something you enjoy more and that gives you more fulfillment.
What kind of wealth are you looking for?
When you work for money, the obvious benefit is definitely being able to take home big bucks at the end of every month. A steady and secure income can give you peace of mind, knowing that you have enough to provide for your various needs. Furthermore, career progression and networking opportunities are also rich in high-paying companies.
However, not all is lost when you work for passion as well! Doing meaningful work can bring a lot of wealth in different aspects as well. This could be manifested in the form of increased mental health, motivation, happiness and fulfillment in the work that you do.
Will doing a job out of passion hamper your love for it?
One of the biggest downsides to doing a job out of passion is eventually getting tired of your hobby and finding it a chore.
While this seems rather ironic since many follow their passions to get extra motivated, pressure from work is unavoidable. Every job brings about its own crunch times and challenges and this may result in you dreading to do that very thing you love. Passions can change over time as well, so something you once loved to do may not seem as fulfilling anymore in the long run.
The best of both worlds – Passion AND Money
It is best to find a job where you can find a balance – but, if you can’t, it is always helpful to see the pros and cons of both sides, so you can make the most informed decision for yourself and know what you’re in for.
Alternatively, many people find jobs that allow them to live out their passions after work hours. So, you can consider jobs with more flexible schedules or a work culture that aligns with your needs.
At the end of the day, as long as you are content with where you are at and manage your expectations, everything will fall into place!
Article contributed by Samantha.
