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How to find things that make you happy and passionate?

I dont know why, but its hard for me to be happy after I start working, everyday its just working, earning money, admiring everyone's wonderful life and glamor on social media, whats the meaning of life?

Thank you comment icon so gooddd!!! Akio

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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Sena !

Guess what ? You're really okay and the feelings you are having are quite normal. Living in Los Angeles (been there, done that) can add to the challenges of alienation, but you always have to remember that you are someone special and there's lots of self-discovery yet to come !

As for what you see on social media, realize this: everyone has problems. Whether they look great, do seemingly "exciting" things, appear to have the money to do these things, all people have problems and issues. They just don't post those. So it's a good idea to take things on social media with a grain of salt and never compare yourself with other people. People are not "happy" all the time, but posting images and things on social media can give others the illusion that life should be "perfect".

If you feel too routine at your present job, keep your present job and look for a new job. This can be the first change you make. Don't quit your current job until you obtain a new one, though. It sounds like a change of pace and new people could lift your spirits at this time. The foundation for personal growth is making active steps towards change. If you are not in a career job, consider going to college to study for a career you will really love. College can be instrumental in self-discovery and moving forward with your life.

This would be a great time to take action for personal, intellectual and social growth. Los Angeles is enormous and has a lot to offer. Try different activities, groups and go to events to take the reigns in discovering for yourself what inspires you and what you can feel close to. These things don't come to us, we need to go to them.

So the meaning of life is that each individual creates their own meaning of life. It's not something that's told, it's something that is discovered and is different for each individual. We all may go through periods similar to what you're experiencing and it's perfectly fine. It's what we do about it that's important. Doing nothing can drag a person down even further, but taking active steps for change can be exciting and very beneficial. You can do it !

I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in new beginnings and discovery !
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Michelle for the advice. Sena
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome, Sena ! Michelle M.
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Catharine’s Answer

Many people wonder about this, and often, they don't get the chance to do what they love or are passionate about. If you're already asking this question as a student, you're on the right track for your future. After trying different jobs, finding something that makes me excited to start my day is a big win. I also keep activities that were once hobbies, as they can lead to what I truly want to do. The people you meet can help turn a hobby into a passion and even a career. Some focus only on money, but that doesn't always bring happiness. Think about what truly makes you happy and what your goals are. Whether it's helping others, reaching a career milestone, earning money, spending time with family, or just being happy, understanding what brings you joy can guide you on your path.
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Christopher’s Answer

Think about the things you would do for free. If money didn't matter and if others opinions didn't matter, what would you do that you enjoy the most? What are you naturally good at yourself? What is something that you may consider easy or fun that is challenging for others? Is there any topic you can talk for 10 straight minutes about uninterrupted? Considering those questions, is there a way to get better at any of those things you are naturally good at or pursue further education for it? Is there a way you can create a job or research an existing career that allows you to capitalize on what you are already good at? Can you talk to someone in the field? Or do some research online about potential career paths? The answers to those questions will eventually be inspiration for career paths.
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Matthew’s Answer

I have always found the best way to find things that make you passionate is to continuously be open to new opportunities, always saying yes when asked and seeing what brings me energy. Specifically in the workplace, always saying yes to helping on new projects as they come up is a great way to be well rounded and discover the types of work I enjoy most. I feel this is the same with anything from choosing a major to deciding a career, take the time to research and figure out what brings you energy. Nothing ever has to feel rushed besides pressure you put on yourself to make the decision, there is always time.
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Namrata’s Answer

Happiness and passion aren't things you find outside; they're inside you. To discover them, you need to be more aware. Try to do activities that boost your awareness. Spend a few minutes each day meditating and focusing on your breath. Whether you're eating, getting ready, or walking, practice observing yourself. Step back a little from your actions and thoughts. Over time, this habit can help you see what truly makes you happy and what doesn't. By increasing your awareness, everything becomes clearer.

You'll know you're on the right path when something feels effortless and energizing. When you feel naturally motivated and in sync with what you're doing, that's a sign of true passion.

Remember, your likes and dislikes can change, so keep checking in with yourself. Using your inner guidance will help you find what truly makes you happy and passionate.
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Kinsey’s Answer

Hi Sena!

I think finding what makes you happy and passionate is something that takes patience and doesn’t come over night, although I wish it would! Especially with work, its sometimes hard to find time to do those things. As hard as it can be, set a boundary for your work to make a worklife balance for you. If that means waking up at 7 am and working until 5 and then doing something exciting from 5-7. I think as long as you have a boundary then you can find things that make you happy!
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Karen’s Answer

Great you are thinking about what's important in your life. Try making a list of things like faith, family, friends, hobbies, sports, helping others, flowers, birds, etc. Then rank them according to importance to you. After that look for more things that align with your priorities. For example, if faith is number one, try joining a church group or prayer team. If helping others is important, look for volunteer opportunities such as serving meals to the homeless or randomly do something for a neighbor. Even spending time watching birds can increase your happiness.

Each night try to think back about one thing you did that made you feel good.

With every good wish and many blessings,
Karen
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Sena
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Travis’s Answer

Be open to trying a variety of things – especially in your first couple years at college! If possible, try to incorporate a wide range of topics into your classes during those first couple of years (e.g., a mix of humanities, social sciences, etc.) – those random courses could help expose you to topics you wouldn’t otherwise see but that you might find truly fascinating. Topics you find fascinating are often the ones that will lead to long-term careers that make you happy / about which you’ll be passionate - and which will offer a more rewarding day-to-day outlook than jobs people do simply for the pay!
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Randi Sue’s Answer

Happiness is often a fleeting emotion—something that comes and goes depending on our circumstances. Instead of chasing happiness, I strive for contentment, which is a more stable and enduring state of mind. Contentment is a mindset that is within our control; we can choose to be content regardless of external situations.
I believe that gratitude is the foundation of contentment. Practicing gratitude is a powerful way to shift our perspective and fundamentally change how we experience daily life. When we focus on what we have, rather than what we lack, we cultivate a sense of contentment that is both lasting and deeply fulfilling.
Importantly, gratitude does not mean ignoring challenges or pretending that everything is perfect. Rather, it’s about recognizing and appreciating the value in what we already possess. By embracing gratitude, we nurture a sense of contentment that enriches our own lives and positively impacts those around us.

Randi Sue recommends the following next steps:

Make a list of things you are grateful for. (example: air in your lungs)
Pause and give appreciation for those things.
Make a list of things within your control you wish were different.
Make an action plan on how to approach things in your control you wish were different.
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Gisele’s Answer

The meaning of life is a very deep question and I think every person will have a different answer. But to your point of your routine - work, get money, social media, I see you have no room for hobbies or things that can provide you joy. I know life makes you feel a balance of feelings and you will not feel joy every day all day, but you can increase your happy moments.
Do you like someone you work with? I like some people in my team, and they make my day a little bit better. I also exercise everyday and I choose things I like to do so I can merge this choice of being healthy with some joy.
Social media will not provide any joy, so delete it if you prefer or use it with moderation.
Do you have people you like or activities you enjoy doing? Surround yourself with those people, separate time for them, use your spare time to be with them and do activities you both like. If you like to have some time alone, also choose to include in your routine activities that give you pleasure, maybe go to a park, read a book, cook something, paint, anything is valuable.
Hope you find more happiness in your day!
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Sena
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Sierra’s Answer

Hi Sena,

So I will give a slightly counter cultural piece of advice, but I just want to encourage you that you don’t have to necessarily be super passionate about your job/career. I think you can enjoy doing parts of a job and it can be a great way to use your gifts or talents but it does not have to be the thing you are most passionate about. I personally am content in my job and serve/volunteer or participate in other organizations/activities that I am passionate about outside of work.
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Yashasvi’s Answer

Discovering what truly makes you happy and passionate is a personal journey, but there are some steps you can take to explore your interests and uncover what excites you most:
1. Reflect on Your Experiences
• Think about activities or subjects that you’ve enjoyed in the past—both in and outside of school.
• Ask yourself: When do you feel most energized or lose track of time?
2. Try New Things
• Experiment with new hobbies, clubs, or classes. Sometimes you won’t know you like something until you try it.
• Volunteer, intern, or shadow professionals in fields that interest you.
3. Pay Attention to Your Emotions
• Notice what makes you feel excited, curious, or proud.
• Keep a journal to track moments when you feel genuinely happy or fulfilled.
4. Ask for Feedback
• Talk to friends, family, or mentors about what they see as your strengths or what lights you up.
• Sometimes others notice your passions before you do.
5. Set Aside Time for Self-Discovery
• Take personality or career assessments (like Myers-Briggs, StrengthsFinder, or Holland Code) for ideas about what might suit you.
• Reflect on your values: What’s important to you in life and work?
6. Don’t Rush the Process
• It’s normal for passions to develop over time. Stay open-minded and patient with yourself.
• Remember, it’s okay for your interests to change as you grow.
7. Connect with Like-Minded People
• Join groups or communities based on your interests. Sharing experiences with others can deepen your passion.
8. Be Honest with Yourself
• Don’t pursue something just because it’s popular or expected. Focus on what genuinely excites you.
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Sathya’s Answer

Finding the right passion, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and achieving work-life balance are key to feeling fulfilled. When your job aligns with what you enjoy and value, work becomes more meaningful and less draining. It’s also important to take care of your physical and mental health—regular exercise, sleep, and time for hobbies can make a big difference. Social media often shows only the highlights of others’ lives, so try not to compare your everyday reality to someone else’s curated moments. Life’s meaning can come from small joys, personal growth, and the connections you build. If you’re feeling stuck, talking to someone you trust can help you find clarity and direction.
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Carolyn’s Answer

Hi Sena. Congratulations on being brave enough to ask a question that is on a lot of peoples' minds. The science on happiness is pretty clear and compelling. Thanks to social media, we're comparing our lives to others' a lot more frequently. And we forget that of course what's being presented by our peers is curated and only showing the advantageous angles. There are podcasts by Dr. Lauri Santos, a respected Yale psychology professor. She teaches a course in happiness and suggests exercises in savoring (being truly present for experiences) and connecting with others as just two easy ways for find more joy in fulfillment in life.
There always have been mundane and routine parts of any job, there should also be activities that require you to bring the best of your talents and capabilities. If after finding better ways to experience happiness you're still not finding purpose and satisfaction in your job, then it may well be time to start looking for a new job or career path. Wishing you all the best!
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Rashmi’s Answer

Hi there- Many people experience what you're going through, especially in a world where we often measure happiness by productivity, income or how others seem to live online. Start by noticing what activities make you lose track of time or feel excited. Think about what subjects or hobbies you naturally gravitate towards.
Try new things - Passion often comes from doing something , out of curiosity. Explore little things that spark even a small sense of joy or interest and follow them without pressure. Also , try limiting time on social media-it can distort how we view our own lives. Everyone shows their highlights, but real life includes struggles too.
To rediscover meaning, focus on building connection, creativity and contribution in whatever ways you can. It could be through hobbies like journaling, internships , volunteering, or side projects etc to discover what lights you up or just making time for what genuinely matters to you. Hope this helps! :)
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Claire’s Answer

Its imperative to remember that social media is not a reflection of real life! We only see the a fraction of a person's life and its often doctored to fit some aesthetic. My biggest advice is find joy and excitement in the small things. Most nights I go to bed excited to my cup of coffee in the morning. Maybe it's getting excited about something new to bake, a new book, or just getting a break. As we get older, our day-to-day often looks the same so easy to get lose in the mundane. We have to keep surprising ourselves and finding ways to bring us a little joy every day.
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Srilatha’s Answer

To discover what truly makes you happy and passionate, think about times when you feel full of energy, curiosity, or satisfaction, especially during activities where time seems to fly by. Explore new experiences and observe your feelings, taking notes to identify any patterns. Pay attention to topics or activities that naturally attract you in conversations, media, or learning. Ask friends what they notice you get excited about, and try to find the common ground between what you love, what you excel at, and what benefits others. Remember, don't rush the process—passion often develops through steady interest and exploration over time.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. There are 2 aspects on your question:
1. Do you have interest on your job?
- Think about what you have interest,veg your hobbies, favourite subjects,etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a singer, musical artist, musician, music composer, music producer etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
- Is your current job one of the career you have interest? If not, would you consider to change to the career you have interest?
2. Work life balance
- Make sure you have enough you sleep and do some exercise every day
- Have some time in leisure and meet with your friends & family on weekends
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Sena
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your positive words of encouragement! I used to feel like Sena – lost in the big city and pressure from social media. Reading these lines makes me feel very comforted. It is true that everyone has their own problems, what matters is how we choose to face them and change. Thank you for reminding me that we can all create meaning for our own lives! 🌟 Akio
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Vaishnavi’s Answer

It is normal to not be happy but also find what you are passionate about. When I began, I was searching for a active job that gets me on my feet everyday, helping people around. However, I landed in a desk job. You could be good a people oriented person, or some one who loves to paint, a Pilates instructor. I would advice you to take the social media as a seed for identifying your passion. Look into what you are browsing more, may be try digging deep to see if you can learn and be part of your browse activities. Do that as your thing, outside of your regular job. World is not what it was decade before, Vlog about something you are passionate really can boost your interest. Do something you are passionate least for an hour, and you will look forward to your next day thinking you will get to do it again.
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Tammy’s Answer

Thank you for sharing how you’re feeling. What you’re going through is more common than you might realize, and it’s perfectly okay to feel this way. Starting a new job can be a lot to handle, especially when it seems like life is just work and comparing yourself to others.

Remember, your career is a journey. Each job you have adds to your experience and opens up new opportunities. Some roles might not feel thrilling right now, but they help you build the skills and strength you need for jobs that match your passions.

Here’s a tip that has helped me and others:

Think about what you’re good at and where you want to grow. What do you love learning about? What tasks would you enjoy doing every day? Is it solving problems, helping people, being creative, working with data, or leading a team?

Also, consider the tasks you can do but don’t love. Every job has a mix, and finding the right balance is key to feeling happy.

Don’t be afraid to try new roles or industries. Change can be scary, but it can also be very rewarding. Remember, social media often shows only the best parts—not the whole story. Focus on your own journey and what makes you happy.

You’re not alone in this. Keep exploring, stay curious, and be kind to yourself as you figure things out. You’re doing better than you think.
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Connor’s Answer

Setting meaningful goals is essential to finding happiness and passion in life, especially when daily routines start to feel monotonous or uninspiring. When you work toward something that matters to you—whether it’s a career achievement, a personal milestone, or a financial objective—you gain a sense of purpose and direction that can make each day more fulfilling. True joy often comes not from the end result, but from the progress you make as you move closer to your goals. It’s important to set goals that reflect both your interests and your financial needs, so you’re motivated by what you genuinely enjoy while also working toward the lifestyle you desire. Remember, happiness isn’t solely about making a lot of money; for some, financial security is a key to contentment, while others find joy in simplicity. The key is to understand what you need and want, then set goals that help you build a life that feels meaningful to you. By focusing on your own journey and growth, rather than comparing yourself to others, you’ll discover a deeper and more lasting sense of fulfillment.

If you can make a vision for what you want your life to look like, everything in between will figure itself out! Focus on the end goal and where you see yourself in 10, 20, even 50 years down the line!
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Haris’s Answer

I get how you feel, social media makes it seem like everyone has a perfect life, but it is just a highlight reel. Everyone has struggles they do not show. Try not to compare. Focus on what brings you joy, even in small ways. Do what you love, and let yourself explore without pressure. You don't have to figure it all out at once.

If you are not sure yet what makes you passionate, that is okay too. Just start by being curious. Try new things without pressure. Slowly, you will start finding joy in places you did not expect. Taking risks is always good.
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Molly’s Answer

This is something that a lot of people do struggle with figuring out, but you don't have to get it exactly right at the start of your career. That's why it's called a career journey for many people. I'm about 7 years in the working world, and I can still say I don't "know what I want to be when I grow up." Also... your career is not your entire personality - or life - even when you're in the working world.

A lot of people truly live with the motto "work to live, don't live to work". Work can pay for and enable the lifestyle that makes you happiest. It doesn't have to be where you get your greatest fulfillment, since the rest of your life will fill in the gaps (if you're intentional about filling up your life with things that bring you joy).

Happiness is fluid, since what you want may change. However, I think the other responders are right - that a strong foundation of surrounding yourself with things you love - will stabilize you through any other changes (like in your career, etc.) that are normal.

If you're not sure what you're interested in, make sure you're blocking time to be off your phone so you can be focused on real life. Being present is a huge necessity before you'll be able to hear your inner voice that can help point you toward what you enjoy. Plus, the time offline will allow you to actually explore new hobbies, meet people, spend time in nature, be creative, be spiritual, etc. - that's where more of "the meaning of life" comes from... not from work (for most people).

I hope this helps!

Molly recommends the following next steps:

Spend some time alone journaling - get some prompts that help you identify your passions beforehand - and then sit down with paper and pen and answer them! Get away from any distractions and try and listen to your quiet intuition.
Remember that your passions can be enjoyed through hobbies and other areas of your life - not just your future career! Are there activities that you'd like to begin exploring?
Explore careers that align with your interests and/or values. Seeing a career counselor has been helpful to me in the past when I've made career changes.
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Julian’s Answer

The best first step forward is to remind ourselves that each and every one of our own timeline (even within the work place). That being said, not comparing ourselves to others is key. We're not the dame, nobody is you and that is your power!
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Annika’s Answer

You're not alone in feeling this! Work can feel like a loop, and social media makes it worse by showing only the highlight reels. The meaning of life isn’t one-size-fits-all, it’s often found in small things: connection, growth, helping others, or doing something that feels meaningful to you. Try unplugging from the comparison game and reconnecting with what makes you feel alive, even in small ways! You got this!
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Mai’s Answer

That's such a great question my advise first self -reflection start exploring your inner world like what activities you enjoy, what did you love doing years back,...etc Journaling can really help and then try new things looks at your energy! passion is often cultivated not found.
You will get there!!! Hope this helps
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Jatinder’s Answer

Start by asking yourself: "What am I admiring about others?" Get specific about what it is you're seeing on social media that you are admiring. Is it people's clothes? the places they're in? Just remember, unless you're living day-in, day-out with these people and can validate everything they are posting, you may not even know what you are admiring to begin with. The key to being happy? Stop looking outward and start looking inward. What do you enjoy the most about your job? Why? What do you enjoy the least? Why? The more you start exploring what is making you happy or unhappy, the more you will focus on yourself and less on others. The meaning of life? Doing everything you can to leave the world a better place than you found it. Whatever that means to you. Not others. Plain and simple. Good luck!
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Alyssa’s Answer

This is tough! I'll try to offer a couple pieces of tangible advice - first, during your day, identify the things that make you feel fulfilled or content. For me, it's solving a problem for someone or editing and formatting powerpoint decks. I notice that some of these small, daily activities are more enjoyable than others, so I've tried to find ways to put myself in positions where I do more of those activities every day - it helps! Second, take time to think about where you want to go in your career. What would you ideally like to be doing next year? Or in five years? And then think about an actual plan to get there. You may not need to be stuck doing something that you don't find inspiring - you can make a change to get where you want to go, or decide that what you're doing now maybe is the right way to get there. Third, write down the things you know to be true and good about your life. Like, big picture, what are you grateful for? Have that handy and available to help ground your perspective about your life. Hope that helps - you're not alone in these feelings, but you don't have to feel stuck having them!
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Harper’s Answer

Try new things and be open to new experiences. If you've never baked a cake before then try it. If you've never sewed, but have always wanted to try then try it. If you've never surfed, but have the chance then do it. You may not like all of the things you try, but you may end up loving something and might be able to look for careers associated with that hobby.
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Anthony’s Answer

Imagine you have everything needed in life set up; you have food, water, decent housing, a decent wage and salary, and decent security. In your spare time, where you don't have to worry about any of life's more urgent issues, where does your mind take you? What do you crave to do next? What gives you energy to do things if you already have your basic survival situated and what are those things?
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Alfred’s Answer

Hi Sena!

"Comparison is the thief of joy". In other words, comparing yourself to other people will slowly, and surely, put you in a negative mindset. Working and earning money is an essential part of life that needs to be done, but seeing everyone have a wonderful life in front of your eyes is something that can be adjusted. For starters, remember that social media is a lens to other people's lives. A lens won't necessarily capture everything unless the person who controls the lens wants to capture it. They may be leading wonderful lives, but at the end of the day, they are just as human and have ups and downs in their journey to life. When you have spare time, look inward and see what is most important to you. Be honest with yourself, and strive to be the best person you can be, for yourself and for your closest friends and family

I hope this was helpful!
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Ekua’s Answer

You have to try out a lot of things to find that one that works. Even if you're unsure, you should try it out.
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