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Passion project

Why choose just one career when you can have more than one? Why limit yourself to a single interest when you’re passionate about many? I love business and fashion, and recently I’ve been asking myself: do I want to own a café—maybe a boba, energy, or herbal spot with food and pastries—or should I pursue a path that blends business, law, and medicine? I’m trying to figure out where to start exploring so I can find guidance in the things that truly interest me.

Thank you comment icon Your thinking is correct in that you don’t have to stick to ONE path! Also, you can have a career or business and still supplement that with other projects or hobbies that fuel your many passions. Enjoy trying different things that stimulate your creativity rather than stifle it. Risks come with any path…professional career or personal/entrepreneurial business…but even more regrets come with not trying!! Kashima Atwood

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Tracie’s Answer

You don’t have to stick to one passion forever. Life is flexible. Focusing on one passion at a time can help you gain momentum, become skilled, and make a real impact. Imagine planting seeds: if you water them all a little, none may grow strong. But if you focus on one or two, they have a better chance to thrive. Later, you can return to the others with more experience and resources.

It's not about limiting yourself; it's about being smart. You can follow many passions in life, just not all at once with the same energy. This way, you avoid burnout and feeling stretched too thin. Focus doesn’t mean forever; it just means for now.
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Samantha’s Answer

Hi Blanca! I agree that you don't have to only choose one career for your entire lifetime. Most people have multiple areas of interest and some folks have multiple zones of genius. A lot of careers require skills that are cross functional so you'd be able to use those skills regardless of what path you take. For example, being detail oriented, project management skills, time management, and being able to explain complex ideas in simplified terms are all examples of cross function skills.

There are so many paths you can choose in this life and the answer to career fulfillment can look different in different parts of your life. I've personally gone from working at a hotel front desk to being a social worker in the mental health field to working at a consulting firm. Whatever path you choose, make sure that it's fulfilling what you need and don't be afraid to make a pivot when needed.
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Abishek’s Answer

First of all you should know being entrepreneur and exploring many projects comes with risk and you should be prepare for a lot of failure however career can give you stable life. You don’t have to choose just one path—start small and explore them all.
Launch a tiny version of each passion:
• Love fashion? Start a thrift-flip Instagram, blog, or sell on Depop.
• Interested in business? Try a mini online store, lemonade stand, or café pop-up at a school or community event.
• Curious about law or medicine? Shadow professionals, volunteer, or join clubs related to debate or health.

The key is: test your interests through action, not just thinking. Start with what excites you most right now. As you explore, the path will become clearer—and you can always blend passions later (like owning a wellness café that empowers women in business or health!).
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Ashley’s Answer

Hi Blanca! That's a fantastic question. I suggest watching 'Squiggly Careers' on TED Talk. They explain how a non-linear career path can be both fulfilling and tailored to your own goals. I also recommend interning in a place that excites you, whether it's a coffee shop or a corporation. This experience will help you explore different careers and decide your next steps. If you're interested in fashion and business, you might discover that working on the business side of a fashion company is the perfect fit for you. Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you! I will most definitely check that out. Blanca
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Karin’s Answer

Hi Blanca,

Not everything you are interested in has to be a job. You can have a job and hobbies. You can also have different jobs during your lifetime if you grow tired of one thing after a while.

Keep in mind that you need to invest time and money into becoming successful at a career. A lot also depends on your financial situation and family responsibilities.

Becoming a doctor is a very long educational journey. Becoming a lawyer also takes pretty long. Those are not careers you throw away easily. Becoming successful with any business also takes time. People invest time and money to reap rewards usually much later.

You can combine healthcare and law by becoming e.g. a hospital lawyer, medical malpractice lawyer or personal injury lawyer. Medical knowledge would be helpful in those fields while your main career is law. If you have your own law firm you would also run your own business.

If you want to own a small business and like fashion and the idea of a coffee shop, why not open a boutique for exquisite fashion and have a few tables where people can socialize and have a cuppa or a glass of champagne. A friend of a friend does something like that: small (pricy) boutique, 2 bar tables, and on Saturdays you can get a glass of champagne or juice. People come to socialize as well as buy and she has a group of loyal customers.

Make sure you research every career you dive into carefully to understand all the implications.

I hope this helps! All the best to you!

KP
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Karin! Blanca
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome! Karin P.
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Emily’s Answer

Hi Blanca! You're certainly not alone in feeling pulled in multiple directions. Echoing what some other folks have mentioned, one of the best ways to figure out which direction to go is to action on your interests and try things out. I'd recommend doing research (i.e., talking to people working in these areas of interest, watch YouTube videos, etc.) to get a sense for if you think you'd enjoy a career in these fields. Then, look for opportunities to start experiencing these industries first hand. For example, you could consider applying to work at a cafe, volunteering at a hospital, etc. This way, you may gain some clarity about which direction(s) you want to continue to pursue.

The goal is to narrow down your interests until you have a couple that you can devote time and energy to. This doesn't mean you can't do it all, but it is unlikely you'll have enough hours in your day to pursue everything at once. Also, don't be afraid to reach out to people who work within industries you're interested in. A quick coffee chat could give you valuable insider insight into some of the areas you're interested in.
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Abby’s Answer

Great question! Yes, you should be able to do several different jobs and passion projects through your life and over time, those interests and passions may change. It is very normal for people to shift careers, industries, and pursuits through their career. I think finding ways to get exposure to actual jobs in your areas of interests is a great way to narrow down liking the idea of a job versus the reality of it. I'd also recommend looking on LinkedIn or seeing if you have friends or family in jobs you have interest in. There are many opportunities you can create for yourself to schedule calls and learn about peoples jobs or shadow them for a day or period. Internships are another great way to solidify your interests in different fields. Best of luck!
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Yuliya’s Answer

Following your passion is wonderful, but it's important to think about the costs and benefits. If you're planning to open a café, make sure you plan your expenses and check if you'll have enough money coming in at the start. You might need a loan for this. Also, see if there's a demand for your café and know who your competitors are. Ensure you can earn enough to cover costs and repay any loans. It might be a good idea to work in a café first to gain experience before starting your own. The same goes for a career in fashion. Starting with an entry-level job can help you understand what it takes to succeed. With that experience, you can decide which path to follow.
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Jiho’s Answer

It is important to note that starting a whole business is a massive decision! A lot of time, money, and effort will be involved. From the sounds of it though, it sounds like one day you would like to have your own business and be your own boss! Me too! I think in this case, going a business route and understanding the ins and outs of a business could be very helpful for your growth!
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Chutima’s Answer

You don't have to limit yourself to just one passion. Many people have several interests. While mastering something takes time, exploring different projects lets you discover what you truly enjoy. Start by trying out what excites you the most, like fashion, and see if it energizes you. If not, try other things, focusing on one at a time so you can give each your full attention.
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AnnMarie’s Answer

Hi Blanca,

It's great to connect with someone who has so many interests. I understand where you're coming from. When I was 20, I had already explored many paths, from acting and music to researching 1930s America and studying dark matter just for fun. Not everyone follows a straight path, and that's perfectly okay. I never imagined I'd end up in project management after being an improviser and public health official. I sense you have the same adventurous spirit.

Here's what I wish I had known:

1) You don't need to limit yourself. Keep your education broad enough to explore many options, but focused enough to be practical. Don't hesitate to double major or take a class just because it interests you. I once took a History of Rock and Roll class, and it unexpectedly became a great conversation starter with clients.

2) Don't worry if your experiences seem unrelated. Skills from different jobs often overlap. For example, calming a panicked client is useful whether you're managing a project or tracking COVID. You'll see similar connections as you gain experience.

3) To discover what truly interests you, look for common themes in your passions. For me, it was process of creating something new, whether in music, costumes, or tech. What do your interests have in common?

4) Talk to friends and family about your interests. They might see your passions more clearly than you do. My family guessed my true interests before I did.

5) Embrace change. You might start in medicine, switch to business, and then open a coffee shop. It's not unusual for people to shift paths. Change is the only constant, and that's perfectly normal.
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Cara’s Answer

Hi Blanca -
You don't know exactly what you want to do today! Overtime you find what you are passionate about and what you enjoy. Guess what, it can change too! After graduating with my undergrad, I working in Marketing for a hospital, then I worked under a CHRO doing comms, entry level recruiting and dabbled in training, then I worked for an upstream O&G company. During that time I was learning new skills and gaining certifications, that ultimately prepared me for my job in Human Capital Consulting. Now I have the opportunity to execute projects and then move to a new project with a new challenge and a new team.

If you are interested in starting your own business, I would recommend doing research on your target market, talking to other entrepreneurs in your area and getting their feedback, read books on the business you are interested in and how to start a business. Then create a business plan! The business plan should be detailed with everything from your strategic plan, to marketing plan, target market, competitive analysis, etc. Find a mentor who will help you ask the write questions and plan out how you can minimize risk and help your business succeed.
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Stuart’s Answer

Great question!

The great thing is you can pursue multiple interest! Many people can multiple careers, however, for most that is not attainable. You can still pursue other things as hobbies.

I know many people who are very passionate about a hobby and they devoted a great amount of time to it. I believe it is healthy to not focus on one area whether that be a job or hobby. By broadening our perspectives we become more well rounded which makes us better people.
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Carrie’s Answer

Not everyone chooses a single career, and you certainly don't have to, but as someone who did, I like the stability of my job and schedule. After working in my field for more than ten years, I'm comfortable with my responsibilities and have built my expertise in some areas that make me particularly valuable to my organization.

One thing you might want to ask yourself is what you want from your career. Personally, I want a stable income and work tasks that I don't hate. I want to enjoy my job enough that I don't dread going into work, but I look for fulfillment outside of work. Adding the pressure of needing to make money can take the joy out of hobbies, so I maintain a pretty strong boundary between work and many of my favorite activities.

You might feel differently. You might need to feel enthusiasm for your work in a way that many don't, and that's perfectly valid. Medicine and law are both more regimented professional areas that may require licensure and a significant time investment before you have the freedom to create your own path, but maybe you can shadow someone in an area that interests you to see what their day looks like and how they got to where they are to help you decide where you want to start.
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Jackson’s Answer

Hi,

As some here have already explained, staring your own business can come with risk. There are countless ways to address risk but one that I have personally used it leveraging my ability to have side hustles. I have a full time job but also explore other areas of business in my free time. These smaller ventures have taught me so much about different industries and how to run a business and because they are smaller, I am able to keep my stable income and still focus on my full time job.

This has been a great way to learn more and continue to grow outside of work and I highly recommend if you have an entrepreneurial spirit. The only caution I would recommend is checking to see if what you want to create abides by the contract of your full time job. Best of luck!
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Andrea’s Answer

Having many interests is wonderful, and it's important to explore them while you're young. Once you find a career path you want to follow, focusing on it will help you succeed without getting overwhelmed.
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Jason’s Answer

Great question! It's wonderful to have different choices as you explore your young adult life. You'll have time to try out various things and discover what career truly fits you. It's fantastic to have different interests, and not everything has to be a career. Hobbies and activities outside of work are important too. Aim to find something you enjoy doing, but also make sure you have time for fun outside of work. As you go through these years, consider what excites you and where you can make a difference. Think about both your career and the activities you enjoy outside of work.
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Helaine’s Answer

Hi Blanca,

Choosing a career can be tough! It's important to separate what you want to do for work from what you enjoy as a hobby or side job. Don't hesitate to explore different options for your future. You can start by volunteering or working part-time in fields that interest you. This will help you see if you want to pursue them long-term. Also, try talking to industry experts or business owners to learn about their daily work and the steps they took to get there. This can help you decide which industries might be right for you.
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L’s Answer

Hi Blanca,

What a fantastic question! You're in a great spot early in your career and life, with the chance to try out different paths before choosing one. Why not explore each option until you find the right fit? This summer, try the first career on your list and see how it feels. Are you excited and energized? Does time fly by, or is it hard to get started each day? The best career will feel natural and blend into your life, leaving you eager to do more.

You’ll only know what suits you by diving in and experiencing it firsthand. You might create something new and exciting for a business, or even come up with a fresh idea that changes everything. If things don't go as planned, you'll gain valuable skills like resilience and resourcefulness. Either way, jump in and get started!
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Ashlyn’s Answer

Hi Blanca! PA for almost 15 years here and recently moving into the small business world. Yes you can do multiple things, which is amazing. But at first there needs to be a focus. I agree with other comments that these careers involve extensive education requirements and we want to make sure all that time and effort is meaningful for your future. One tip that I did before deciding on a career is interview professionals in each of my areas of interest about a day in the life of that career, their favorite and least favorite parts, if they had to do it all over again what would they change, etc. Patterns emerge once you have interviewed a few people in each profession. You can also think about how your passions might fit together or how they might not. Then decide which one(s) you would miss and which one(s) could be let go/turn into a hobby/be an idea in the future. Best of luck!
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Rob’s Answer

Having many career interests is great, but it's important to focus on one path. Without focus, it can be hard to find a job, as companies look for specific skills and experience. To choose the best career path, research job opportunities and think about where you want to be in 5-10 years. Check what education and experience are needed. Also, consider the salary each career offers to make sure it meets your needs. Many people choose a major or career without understanding job prospects and are surprised by low qualifications or pay.
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Max’s Answer

Having many interests is normal and builds your personal brand and personality throughout life. Although, having many interests is important for staying busy and pursuing hobbies, finding a career can be slightly different depending on your goals. For example, if your goals are to become a lawyer, doctor, or executive, pursuing your interests in business, law, and medicine may be a better path for achieving those long term goals. Additionally, this career path would provide many open doors to give you a variety of options in the near future until you tailor your career path as you go. An MBA-JD dual major in grad school could assist in boosting your confidence and capabilities in the law and business direction for example.
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Nafis’s Answer

You are not alone. Overachieving, confused, and varied interest college graduates interested in business like myself end up in consulting. Breaking into MBB (top 3 firms), Big 4, and top boutique consulting firms can be hard but can do wonders for your career. You receive the best training, work with the best clients on various problems, and explore what you truly want to do for the rest of your life.
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Jay’s Answer

Hey Blanca,

Having the desire to have multiple different careers is normal for someone still in school. But you need to keep in mind that all skills take considerable time and effort to build into anything material that will produce worthwhile returns for you both financially and psychologically.

Developing and exploring other interests makes you a well rounded individual, this will help you later when you finally embark down a career path that you deem both rewarding and practical.

Often times, if you have adjacent interests, you can plan your career strategically to develop a very niche skillset that will give you even greater rewards. For example, one may begin their career out of school as an accountant, get their CPA and work at a firm. After a few years they discover that they have a tremendous interest in law, they pursue this interest by going to law school and becoming a tax or securities lawyer which is at the crossroads of accounting and law/regulatory.
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Satya Prakash’s Answer

In life, you have many paths to choose from, but it's important to pick one, follow it until you finish, and then move on to the next one you want.
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Vivian’s Answer

Hi! That’s a fantastic question. It’s wonderful to hear that you have multiple interests and are passionate about different things in life.
It’s not necessary to stick to just one career path—you can explore different fields and roles throughout your life. I encourage you to give each of your interests a chance and see how they align with your future goals. Additionally, I suggest you also consider your prior experiences, such as your education, internships, and personal strengths, when making career decisions. This approach can help you find a path that is both fulfilling and well-suited to your unique background. Wish you all the best!
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Aaleyah’s Answer

You can build a career that supports your many hobbies. I have several hobbies that I wouldn't have explored without my current job. Remember, having a career in one area doesn't stop you from trying new things. I'm a consultant and also working towards starting my own small business. We are all chasing happiness. Enjoy what brings you joy.
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Jason’s Answer

Hey Blanca,

It's great you are thinking outside the box. I don't really have an answer for you because I think you are on the right track. I don't think anyone is truly single passionate m any just don't know who to intersect and blend those various passions together. It sounds like it is on your mind heavy which is good and I would say go for it. make your career YOUR career and chase the things that interest you. That's what makes your story unique. be multi passionate, multi talented, multi interested and go for those things. people THINK you have to stick to one thing. and I don't think you do.
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April’s Answer

You can follow more than one passion. Many people create careers that mix their interests or change over time. Begin by exploring what excites you the most right now, and let that be your starting point. You can add your other passions later with side projects, starting a business, or even changing careers.

Remember, your purpose isn't just one thing; it's a theme. It's great to have many interests, and you can chase all of them.
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Jane’s Answer

Yes - you can absolutely have many different paths within your career. I myself have made lots of pivots - from being a classical ballet dancer to now being a management consultant. Not everyone has the desire to lots of different things, so it's good to know that you do have that desire. My advice would be to pursue the path that gives you the most options. I may be biased, but starting with a foundation in business could be valuable based on what you described. It can give you skills that would serve you well as an entrepreneur, if you were to go into fashion, and more. I also agree with the advice that you should talk to people who have pursued the career paths you're interested in - that is such an important step. You should ask them about their journeys, including how it has impacted their personal lives. What trade offs have they had to make along the way / what sacrifices? Do you think you're willing to have to make similar choices and trade offs? Best of luck! With your kind of enthusiasm and curiosity, you'll go far.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! I will keep this in mind Blanca
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Thomas’s Answer

For a young person, you have great perspective! As you enter the workforce, there is no reason you cannot juggle multiple roles. Many companies will afford you the ability to experience various skills and opportunities. If being an entrepreneur is your goal, often the best ideas and best businesses are those that are a passion project. If you have multiple passions, there is no reason you cannot combine these passions into an intriguing and unique business venture. As it comes to starting your own business, meeting with small/medium business owners will be invaluable to you forming your strategy. I recommend informational interviews with people that can give you the positives and challenges around this path. I wish you the best!
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Marina’s Answer

Throughout your life, you'll have the chance to try many different things. I studied advertising in school, but now I'm doing something completely different. Life offers various opportunities, and you can choose to explore them, gain experience, and then move on to something that suits you better. No matter what happens, it's important to keep learning. Every experience adds to your journey. Keep learning and challenging yourself!
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Blanca
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Kathy’s Answer

It's a great question and many of the answers already submitted provide helpful insights and ideas. One of the keys is to do exactly what you are doing here... ask questions. Be interested, ask questions, explore and learn as much as you can, about as many different items as you can. Be interested in people, places, things, ideas, culture, industry, experiences, etc. The more you learn, do, experience and understand the more you'll then be able to know what really interests you and what just does not play to your strengths or interests. You'll be that much more ready to know when to 'give it a try' and when to say thank you but this is not the right fit for me to explore. You'll know what might be a potential career vs what someone else mentioned you can just keep as a fun hobby. Good luck and keep asking questions!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Kathy for the advice. Blanca
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Jamie’s Answer

I love your passion and the great ideas you already have! As some others have mentioned, all of your passions do not have to be jobs, especially starting out in your career. First, think about what interests you. What drives you? What career excites you? Then, find a solid paying job that interests you and can support you, like a career in business management or law. This will ensure you are financially able to pursue other part-time jobs or hobbies that interest you, such as opening a pastry shop, working at one occasionally, or just enjoying them as a customer. This could easily turn into you making pastries for others, which would be income-producing. The beauty of it is you are free to pursue any passion you may have, and the nature of what that looks like can vary. It also may change as time goes on. For example, you start selling pastries to others. This could turn into a full-time job, which could turn into you eventually opening your own shop one day. You are free to have multiple careers and free to change careers as you grow and change and learn things. The important thing is to start somewhere and be willing to accept change as it comes. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Wow, thank you for this, Jamie! I really needed this. I'm also currently in Tennessee. Blanca
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Dzejna’s Answer

Hi Blanca! Your enthusiasm and passion are truly inspiring. With your interests, taking some business courses could be a great idea. They can help you understand how to start and run a successful business. Some of your interests could even become side projects if they are things you love. Learning about business can give you valuable insights into building something successful. Remember, not all businesses succeed due to various factors, so having a backup plan is wise. Creating a business plan and researching your industry can also boost your chances of success. No matter what, following your passions can lead to a fulfilling career. Wishing you all the best and excited to see where your enthusiasm takes you!
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