If you wake up every morning dreading the thought of going to work because you have no enthusiasm for your career, you’re not alone. In a survey done by Paychex about why people left their jobs, 49.17 percent said it was because they simply didn’t enjoy their work. But is it truly possible to pursue your passion and your career at the same time? If you want to get paid to do what you love, consider the following points.
Research the Demand for Your Passion
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If you already have a good idea of what your passion is, it’s time to do the necessary research to see whether there’s enough demand for it to turn it into a career. There are several questions you should ask yourself to help your research along.
Would you be happy doing your passion at least 20 hours a week? Are there any details about your passion that you don’t like? What are the time and physical requirements to turn your passion into a career? By answering these questions, you’ll have a better idea of whether your passion is worth pursuing as a career.
Look for a Similar Career
Unfortunately, you might discover there’s not much demand for your exact passion. If this is the case, think about similar careers that can still bring you fulfillment. Say you love painting, but during your research you learn that you simply can’t make enough money as a painter to support yourself. In this case, consider entering the graphic design field or starting your own house painting business. Although these careers aren’t exactly the same as a painter, they’re still similar enough to allow you to follow your passion and earn a living.
When to Pursue Something Else
After your research, you might find that you’re not able to turn your passion into your career at all. That’s when you have to know when to pursue something else. For example, before Mark Hurd got his first CEO position, he toyed with the idea of becoming a professional tennis player.
He went to Baylor University on a tennis scholarship, then played in a few tournaments after college. However, he realized he didn’t have the skills to compete at the top level, and his love of business pushed him in a different direction. In 1980, he got his first job as an entry-level salesperson at NCR. Over a span of 25 years, Hurd was able to move up in the company all the way to CEO.
Stay Flexible
If you find you can’t pursue your career and passion at the same time, stay flexible. You never know when the market will change. In the meantime, you can continue following your passion as a hobby or as part-time work on the side. By staying fresh with your skills, you’re always prepared to change careers when the opportunity becomes available.
Although turning your passion into a rewarding career isn’t always easy, if you do the research and keep your mind open to other possibilities, you might find that it’s an attainable goal.