
For years, we’ve been told to “follow our passion” as a surefire way to a fulfilling and successful career. It’s a lovely idea - a simple, inspiring mantra that urges us to chase what lights us up. But here’s the thing: as a Director of People and Culture and a Career Coach who’s spent years guiding individuals into meaningful careers, I’ve seen both the magic and the pitfalls of this advice.
Today, I am happy to unpack what “follow your passion” really means, what it doesn’t, and how we can build a career that’s both fulfilling and sustainable.
The Allure of Passion
At its core, the saying “follow your passion” taps into a universal desire for joy and purpose. Passion feels electric - something you’re deeply excited about, something that makes time fly or puts you in the “flow” state. It’s no wonder we’re drawn to the idea of aligning work with that feeling.
Inspirational stories of artists, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders often amplify this idea. Think about Steve Jobs, who famously said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” His story - quitting college, tinkering in a garage, and founding one of the most successful companies in history - feels like the ultimate validation of passion-led success.
But what we often miss in these stories is the nuance. Passion alone didn’t build Apple. Privilege, skills, persistence, calculated risk and a pinch of luck played just as big a role.
The Issue With Passion-Only Thinking
While passion can be an incredible motivator, relying on it as the sole guide for our career has its pitfalls:
1. Passions Can Change Over Time
At 17, you might be passionate about video games. At 22, it might be environmental activism. By 30, maybe it’s starting your own business. Our interests evolve as we gain new experiences and perspectives. If our career path is tied to a fleeting passion, we risk building something that no longer excites us with time.
2. Passion Doesn’t Guarantee Practicality
Some passions don’t translate easily into sustainable careers. You might love painting, but if you despise the marketing and networking required to sell your art, you might struggle to make a living solely as an artist.
3. Passion Without Skill Leads to Frustration
Passion without skill or competence often leads to disappointment. You might dream of being a chef, but without developing the technical expertise, your enthusiasm can only take you so far. Mastery, which often requires years of disciplined effort, is what allows passion to blossom into a fulfilling career.
4. It Overlooks the Role of External Factors
Economic realities, job market trends, and access to resources all influence career paths. Not everyone has the privilege or freedom to pursue passion-first careers, especially if financial stability or caregiving responsibilities are priorities.
A More Grounded Approach: Defining Your Personal Mission
Rather than chasing a single passion, I encourage people to identify their personal mission - a guiding sense of purpose that reflects their values, strengths, and the impact they want to have on the world.
Your personal mission is not tied to a specific job or career path. Instead, it’s a broader vision of how you want to “show up” in the world and contribute meaningfully. The beauty of a personal mission is that it’s adaptable; there are countless ways to fulfill it across different roles, industries, or even phases of your life.
For example:
If your mission is to empower others, you might thrive as a teacher, a coach, or a product manager.
If your mission is to create innovative solutions, you could explore careers in engineering, entrepreneurship, or even policy design.
This perspective is particularly valuable in a world where jobs are constantly changing. Five years from now, jobs will exist that we can’t even imagine today. By focusing on your mission rather than a single passion or job title, you future-proof your career against these shifts.
A Different Way to Think About Passion and Careers
So, should you ignore passion altogether? Absolutely not! Passion is a valuable piece of the puzzle, but it works best when integrated into a broader framework.
1. Start With Curiosity
Passion often begins as a spark of curiosity. Instead of waiting for a fully-formed “passion” to hit you, explore what excites or intrigues you. Volunteer, join clubs, take a contract job, or try side projects. These opportunities can help you discover interests you didn’t even know you had.
2. Focus on Your Mission, Not a Single Job
Your mission will act as a compass, guiding you toward roles that align with your purpose. It offers a grounded approach, providing stability and direction in an ever-evolving life.
3. Build Skills First, Passion Later
Passion often follows mastery, not the other way around. When you become highly skilled at something, you’re more likely to enjoy it because you feel confident and valued. Focus on becoming excellent at what you do, and passion may naturally follow.
4. Balance Passion With Practicality
Use the “intersection model” to guide your career decisions. Ask yourself:
What do I enjoy doing? (Passion)
What am I good at? (Skills)
What are my non-negotiables? (Values)
What does the world need? (Market demand)
What will pay me fairly? (Financial stability)
When you find a path that balances these elements, you’re more likely to build a fulfilling and sustainable career.
5. Expect to Evolve
Your career will likely change over time, and that’s okay. The idea of a “forever career” is outdated. Focus on building transferable skills - like communication, critical thinking, and adaptability - that will serve you in any field.
Practical Steps for Building a Meaningful Career
1. Define Your Personal Mission
Create your Personal Mission Statement by writing down:
The values that matter most to you.
The type of impact you want to have on the world.
The strengths you enjoy using.
Your mission doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s a guiding principle, not a fixed destination or specific job title.
Here are a couple of examples:
Greta Thunberg - To amplify the urgency of the climate crisis and compel global leaders to take immediate and meaningful action for a sustainable future.
Malala Yousafzai - To ensure that every girl in the world has access to 12 years of free, quality education.
When you reflect on their missions, what are all the different ways in which Greta and Malala might fulfil their missions?
2. Experiment and Gain Hands-On Experience
Test your interests by volunteering, taking a contract job, or freelancing. Hands-on experience is invaluable in figuring out what you enjoy - and what you don’t.
3. Seek Mentorship
Connect with professionals whose work aligns with your mission. Their insights can help you navigate your path and refine your goals.
4. Prioritize Lifelong Learning
Stay curious and open to new opportunities. Industries and roles evolve, and so will you.
5. Revisit Your Mission Regularly
As you grow, your mission might shift. Reassess it periodically to ensure it still reflects your values and aspirations.
Final Thoughts: Build a Career With Purpose
"Follow your passions" may be well-intentioned advice, but it’s too simplistic for the complex reality of building a career. Instead, focus on defining your personal mission - a guiding purpose that reflects your values, strengths, and desired impact.
Passion isn’t always the starting point; it’s often the result of meaningful effort, exploration, and growth. By aligning your career with your mission, you’ll create a path that’s not only fulfilling but also resilient in the face of change.
So, what’s your personal mission? Start reflecting, start exploring, and trust the process - you’ve got this!
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