Arshad
Is it a good idea to always follow your passion?
Famous author Cal Newport says it is not a good idea to follow your passion. However i feel that going with your passion is the best thing to do. Even my friends and teachers say that. This question is not meant for debate but to know your opinion given today's competitive job market. #career #job-market #passions
6 answers
Abgour Sanae
Abgour’s Answer
Thank you Arshad for your question, it helped me discover Cal Newport’s approach that I personally find to be reasonable and fact-based. But, taken into account today’s competitive market, I would tell you this:
If you are very good at what you are passionate about, take risks and be the best one doing it. See, we can be passionate about a lot of things and yet, we might lack the intellectual competencies to make it our job. Need an example? My sister is passionate about astronomy and everything that’s related to it but she hates physics, and we both doubt she’s ever going to make it her career. On the other hand, you find people that are very good at what they’re passionate about, like Michael Dell whose passion has always been technology. In pursuit of it, he dropped out of college to start up a company that, after 30 years of age, is literally shaping the future.
Bottom of line, unless you’re good at it, no need to take risks. But as we’re not robots but human beings, you should try to find passion in what you will be doing, it empowers you to give the best of you.
Thanks for shedding some light. I agree that its best to follow my passion and at the same time improve the skills related to that passion. The astronomy example resonated with me as I once used to be interested in astronomy but due to the lack of job scope in that area along with the deep and mind boggling astrophysics I didn't pursue it. I decided to pursue engineering instead as I love to design new things.
Arshad
the good thing is that engineering fields know rapid perpetual changes so I don't think you will be bored at some point as there is always going to be something new to learn. I'm pretty sure you will find your passion in it.
Abgour Sanae
Shavon Overstreet
Shavon’s Answer
Yes, you should follow your passion because that will be the driving point for you to go and achieve your goals. I do believe you should be flexible in what you deem your dream job is. I believe that if you find that your passion is not as profitable as you would hope, maybe consider what talents you can combine that would allow you to do what you love, and still be able to sustain yourself. For instance, if you are passionate about being a musician and you find it's hard to get gigs you could find out what communities and demographics are searching for musicians. Maybe volunteer at a retirement home, consider teaching, look into jingle writing.
In the end, it's proven that when you love something you do your best work when your doing it. Follow your passion and be open to all possible ways and combinations that will allow you to do what you love while still sustaining yourself financially.
Xiandong 方显东
Xiandong’s Answer
Idris Humphrey
Idris’s Answer
It is always good to follow your passion, with that being said, always have a back up plan. You never know what curve balls life brings you, so it is good to plan ahead. Also, it is important not to confuse a passion for doing something with a hobby. Growing up, I loved playing basketball. I played at a very high level and worked hard to achieve a goal of playing professionally everyday. Things did not workout for me, but I was smart in not allowing that passion to blind my self reflection and realizing when it was time to do something else with my life.
Camille Tongate Carpenter
Camille’s Answer
I believe it is. If you have true passion behind what you are doing/selling then you a can really succeed in role. My first job out of college wasn't my dream job but I was passionate about the company and knew the entry position could lead to other departments.
