Is pursuing your passion as a career really what it’s made to be?

The age-old advice rings in our ears: “Find your passion and you’ll never work a day in your life.” But is this mantra universally true? Is pursuing a career solely based on passion a recipe for success, or a path fraught with challenges?

Who would’ve thought the man who is one of India’s biggest and most well-known names in fashion wanted to be an architect when he was younger? (Source: PR Handout)

Andrea Cutinho was 14 when she decided she would become a journalist. The inspiration? Her mother, who worked in media houses all her life, but as a secretary, longing to be a journalist herself. “She was 24-25 when she was married and had my brother soon after. No time to dive into a profession that demands so much of you,” Cutinho, 24, recounts.

While Cutinho, who has been in the profession for some nine months, is happy with her choice — though with caveats — many have not been as lucky. While pursuing your passion can be incredibly fulfilling, the reality of turning it into a career can be a mixed bag. Especially when money is involved.

Dhillan Chandramowali, 38, agreed. “One must take the time to understand money. I feel this is very important, and something I didn’t do. Would I have made a different decision, if given the chance? In the larger scheme of things, no. But, perhaps, I would have done things a bit differently. Understood how money works, or committed to financial planning,” Chandramowali, a writer, says.

The decision to pursue a passion as a career becomes even more difficult in middle age. Especially if you work in a high-paying job.

Sidhharrth S Kumaar decided to become an astro-numerologist and life coach at 32, leaving his high-paying corporate job. Not an easy feat by any means. But Kumaar, now 34, took the plunge when he learnt on a month-long break that his passion was paying more than his six-figure salary.

This contrast is, perhaps, felt most sharply by those working in creative fields like writing. According to sociologist Pranay Aggarwal, this is because the expectation of fulfilment is higher in those fields, as you don’t go there because of money. “On the other hand, many enter non-creative fields attracted by the lucre and uninspired by the actual work,” he said.

Maybe then, the middle ground is finding a job in your passion, which also pays well — the elusive unicorn. But for Rishabh Kumar? Not so much. Kumar, 30, a writer, works as a product content editor with a fin-tech company based in New York. “It’s a role I never imagined for myself, but one that allows me to continue pursuing writing while contributing to a meaningful cause and earning a decent amount of money.”

This contrast is, perhaps, felt most sharply by those working in creative fields like writing. (Source: Pexels)

Having said that, there is definitely a distinct rush that comes from wanting to wake up and get to work, if you work in a field that genuinely ignites your passion. Tahseen Shaikh, 27, concurred. For the entomologist, this feeling is important. “If you wake up in the morning eager to go to work, then you’re on the right path.”

Archi Raj, 24, feels the same, but working as a freelance translator has taught her it’s not all going to be hunky-dory. “Every job has its share of good and bad. Doing what one loves just makes it more bearable,” she says.

For Chandramowli, the going became easier as he got “really good” at his job, which was also his passion, over the years. “It’s like building a home, from a house. Anyone can rent, or buy, a house, but what makes it your home?,” the writer says.

Finding the golden ratio: Balancing passion with practicality

Ultimately, a fulfilling career is a blend of passion, practicality, and continuous growth. So how do you navigate the realities and maintain the passion that fuels your journey? Here’s how to ensure you’re doing it right:

Nurture your passion: As Sonal Raja, senior councellor at NAFDI, suggests, actively engage in activities that keep you connected to your passion. This constant reminder reinforces your commitment and reignites your zeal, while also honing your craft.

Strike a balance: Swaraj Bar, nutritionist, sports performance, lifestyle & fitness coach, says, while passion is essential, it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Structure, discipline, and practical skills are crucial for success. There will be days of doubt, but remembering the “why” behind your passion, the impact you create, rekindles the fire.

Set milestones: Setting goals and milestones, Raja explains, provides direction and a sense of accomplishment. Witnessing your progress keeps you motivated.

So how do you navigate the realities and maintain the passion that fuels your journey? (Image: FreePik)

Embrace reality: Passion can evolve over time, and what excites you today might not hold the same spark tomorrow. Accepting this fluidity is key, as highlighted by sociologist Pranay Aggarwal, who also mentors IAS aspirants. Be prepared to adapt and continuously re-evaluate your career path.

Seek inspiration: Surround yourself with sources of inspiration, be it mentors, successful individuals in your field, or even online communities. This, Raja says, fuels your passion and keeps your creative fire burning.

Self-reflect and celebrate: Regularly reflect on your plans and decisions, maintaining a positive attitude. As Dr Roshan Mansukhani, a music therapist and counsellor based in Mumbai, advises, celebrate your progress. This self-appreciation fuels your drive and reinforces your belief in your path.

Remember, the journey itself is a source of learning and growth. Embrace the challenges, celebrate your wins, and most importantly, keep the passion alive.