If that job is not your passion, quit!

I’ve observed it and can bear testimony over and over again: the people that succeed in a particular career path are usually those who are able to tap into their natural passions and use that in their professional life. They know what they love and they find ways to translate that into a source of livelihood. Sometimes they make a nice income – and that’s awesome. At other times, they earn just enough to get by.

When you have passion for your job, it is a joy to get out of bed in the morning and get started on your day. Your work itself fills you with joy and excitement. When you reach that point, the line between work and play disappears – you are happy doing whatever your day throws at you. That has a value that can’t be measured in Malawi kwacha or the scarce United States dollars. It transforms your life.

For me, every single day, I get out of bed, I am excited to read, talk and write on economic-related topics. I get economics registering directly or indirectly all over my job accomplishments. I know others who have same passion for their profession or jobs. It makes them want to get out of bed in the morning and get started. When you feel that passion surging through you, a lot of the little difficulties at your workplace or in life generally will cease to matter that much.

Do you remember the idea that you should stop trying to impress other people? It comes through big time here. If you enjoy what you do, it doesn’t matter what others think. Don’t be afraid to dive into something that seems exciting to you over a fear that others might find you a jerk.  Their label says more about them than it does about the activity/profession you are passionate about. Don’t force yourself into a career path (or profession) because you want to impress or just because you are already in it.

Working in an area that is not your passion can be energy draining. You have to apply more effort and you are always scared that somebody who is genuinely suited for that job may snatch it away from you. Discover yourself out and get amazed at seeing the best of your natural talents emerge almost effortlessly.

You will know your passion when you find it. It will ring inside of you like a hammer hitting a church bell. It will consume your thoughts and your activities, even if you are not very good at it yet. You will get up each morning excited to do more. 

But then what do you do if you discover your passion, but there doesn’t seem to be any way to translate that into income? After all, you have to pay the bills. And so, even though you have found something you love so much you wouldn’t be happy to do it every day if it doesn’t put food on the table.

There are countless avenues for channeling that passion into income. However, almost all of these paths require you to start doing it on a part-time basis. Give up the frivolous things you were spending your evenings on and devote some of that time to a new path. Study towards a degree in the area of your passion, for example. It’s a great way to get yourself into the marketplace and to connect with lots of like-minded folks that could connect you to income streams within your passion area. Be as innovative as you can with your passion.

Trust me colleagues, finding your passion is a life-changing event. It pushes you in new directions that fulfill you in ways you would never imagine.

Blessed weekend to you and yours as you embark on discovering your passion. You are missing out on life by not seeking it out.