Passion vs Career — the timeless tug of war
Chase what you love or choose what pays?
One gives you peace, the other gives you stability.
Can you really have both?
@Vivian000
it in theory it can happen but in my opinion is it truly rare.
Even if your passion is for example cooking / food you may be able to make money but it is the business part you dislike...
I just try to focus on the good. I am in a career field that I chose later in life. I went back to school at night after having been a full time mother. The day to day can be mundane, but I feel fortunate to have a decent job with a good company. My job gives me flexibility that I need for my life, but does not pay great. It keeps me busy. Nothing is perfect, but I feel very fortunate to do what I do at this stage in my life.
I have been at the same company for 25 years, the first 5 were probably both (peace and stability) but after a while the flame burns out. I am terrible at interviews and bombed at some really great opportunities. So I stuck around because the money gave me stability but I have not been happy for about the last 2-3 years.
I say go where the money is. Interests change and nothing is enjoyable when your life depends on it and you do for 40-60 hrs per week.
if you have a hard skill that is well in demand, you have more leverage in life and it’s harder for people to take advantage of you. You’ll automatically be better compensated and in turn have a better quality of life.
@Daybloom also for what it’s worth I don’t know that I’ve ever met someone truly happy at their job. There are people deep in denial or people who have convinced themselves their job is their life’s purpose. Some people manage the stress and cope better than others. But I’ve personally never seen someone in a “happy” work situation. Either it’s low stress but low status and bad pay or high stress long hours and good pay. But folks on both sides of the fence seem pretty unhappy if you ask me.
