5 answers
6
Updated 302 views

How can one not lose sight of their other passions while pursuing a career to make change in the world? #Spring26

I hope to pursue a career in public policy, foreign affairs, or international relations, but don't want to lose my love for filmmaking, writing, the outdoors, and more. #Spring26

career spring26 english writing government creative-writing political-science international-relations filmmaking public-policy outdoors following-your-passions foreign-affairs changemaker policymaking backpacking camping
Answer This
6

5 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jerry’s Answer

First, start with Joannes's answer. There are a number of things there.

All I can add is that while you fulfill your goals in life, that does not necessarily mean that you have to give up other interests that you have a passion for.

Much of it can deal with scheduling, timing, where one is physically located at the moment.

It may be difficult to put your professional life and private desires together in the beginning, but soon it will be "just the way you do business", and with some luck, you may find others equally interested in your passions which will more than double or triple your enjoyment of life and your ultimate choice of profession.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Joanne’s Answer

It's wonderful to have goals that aim to make a difference in the world. These ideals inspire us to make life better for everyone. As you work towards these goals, you'll learn and adapt, but starting with good intentions is a great first step. Your passion for filmmaking, writing, and the outdoors will guide you in solving problems creatively. These interests offer you a unique perspective to share your ideas and plans with others. The key is to start your career with excitement and energy.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

jose’s Answer

Remember that both can have overlap, if not be interconnected. You can make films about the policy you believe in, and work with other creatives to bring those messages through your craft. But in case they're not related (which is okay) build a village. Compartmentalize, and strengthen your time management skills. Keep your creative side lit by using as much spare time as you can to simply do it because you love it, while working on public policy and foreign affairs as a day job. It is possible. It's a lot of work and both fields can be very demanding, but this is when time management and project management skills come into play.
Thank you for wanting to make the world a better place, and I hope you're always able to nurture your creative streak.
Best of success to you.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Leslie’s Answer

Those two lives don’t have to be mutually exclusive. There are so many ways to combine the two. It’s possible to use your training to create films, document real life stories, or create content. You might use film to create policy avenues not yet thought of. My advice is to allow space for both. When one is taking more energy lean into it, knowing your other passion will be there. Take trainings and workshops and keep your skill set in both. You don’t have to choose. You can blend, separate, and enjoy both. Best wishes ✨
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Kelly’s Answer

Hi Emerson,

This is a really thoughtful question and I want to offer a slightly different perspective:

You don’t have to protect your passions from your career. In many cases, they can actually work together.

FILMMAKING CAN BE A WAY TO CREATE CHANGE
You mentioned wanting to go into public policy or international relations, but filmmaking and writing can absolutely be part of that.

For example, filmmaker Frederick Wiseman started out as a lawyer. While trying to advocate for change in a mental institution, he began filming what was happening, and that became his first documentary, Titicut Follies.

That film helped expose real conditions and contributed to meaningful change. That’s the power of storytelling.

THE BEST DOCUMENTARIES DO THIS
Some of the most impactful films focus on real-world issues:

- Harlan County, USA (labor rights and working conditions)
- The Last Truck (what happens when industry leaves a community)
- Darwin’s Nightmare (global economic and environmental impact)

Environmental documentaries are a huge part of this as well:
- Chasing Ice (documenting the reality of melting glaciers)
- An Inconvenient Truth (bringing climate change into public conversation)

These films don’t just tell stories, they help people see and understand what’s happening in the world.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR YOU
Public policy and filmmaking don’t have to be separate paths. They can work together:
- Film can communicate complex issues in a human, accessible way
- Writing can shape narratives and influence public understanding
- Creative work can bring visibility to issues that might otherwise be overlooked

This is what people often mean by STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math working together. Creativity is not separate from impact. It’s often what drives it.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO CHOOSE
You can pursue a career focused on making change in the world and still:
- Make films
- Write
- Stay connected to the outdoors

Those things don’t take away from your work. They can strengthen it.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Instead of asking, “How do I not lose my passions?” try asking:

“How can my passions help me do the work I care about?”

A college professor once told me, “Follow your bliss.” It was the best advice I ever received, and acting on it changed my life. I’m passing that on to you:

FOLLOW YOUR BLISS.

It won’t be easy, but it will absolutely be worth it!
0