The theory that following your passion leads to success has been around for decades but in reality, people’s passions have very little connection to their work or education which makes today’s workforce suffer from endless job swapping and constant professional discontent. Millennials are seen to be torn between what they want to do and what they feel they should do. To put this dilemma to rest here are 5 things you should consider before embarking on a journey to find a job that is both enjoyable and financially sound.
Passion drives success
It is of utmost importance that you figure out where your line of interest is. For example, if you enjoy dancing and find yourself automatically tapping your feet when a dancing number is played somewhere nearby then considering that as a feasible career option is a wise thought. On the contrary, if you feel nauseous at the mere sight of blood then enrolling yourself into the medical program that your mother wants you to do will not end up on a positive note for anyone.
Mastering the art
Right after you have figured out what gets your adrenaline pumping, it’s time for you to develop a set of skills that will allow you to excel at what you love to do and aid in bringing about a positive impact on the society. For example, if you have a knack for singing or comedy then you need to sign up for vocal lessons or a comedy workshop. It is essential that you educate yourself. Read up on artists who inspire you, learn about their struggles and failures. Take notes; ask yourself how you can do things that suit your personality, values and ethnic beliefs.
Studying the market
Before choosing a job for yourself it’s essential that you test the waters. Try to find out if what you are trying to do have a demand in the market. Don’t be disheartened if your findings point towards a negative. Work on a plan that will allow you to create demand for what you want to do. Be patient and assertive. Even a few years ago ‘Social Media Manager’ was not a post people were hired for but look where the demand for it is now.
Ambience is vital
The geographical location of your workplace is something that you need to consider. With the ever deteriorating traffic situation that leaves a negative impact on your performance and also on the wallet, it’s better to look for something around the vicinity of your residence. Invest in finding a mentor for yourself who you can learn from looking up to.
Scope for growth
‘No matter what you love to do or which job you choose, analyze the condition of the company and how your input can bring about a positive change to it. Regardless of your talent, achievement, and expertise, it is essential that you strive for growth and innovation. For example, if you are a painter, archive your old paintings and draw a comparison with your recent work and document your improvements.
Finally, have a plan B and remember that there is no alternative to hard work. Game changers like standup comedian Naveed Mahbub and singer/songwriter/actor Tahsan Khan all have had a formal education and corporate careers before they decided to chase their passion. There’s nothing wrong in thinking that your plan might fail but it is definitely wrong to assume that it will and hence not trying to make it work. Be punctual, diligent and as clichéd as it may sound ‘believe in yourself.’