Pursuing a passion career can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience as it taps into the top of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: Self-Actualization. It can also be daunting. Many feel trapped in their current careers because they are afraid to take the financial risk of following their passions and/or because their current jobs provide a financial security blanket they’re afraid to give up.
Financial Independence relieves the burden of needing to choose or stick with an unfulfilling career. If you wish to continue working in some form or fashion, it offers the freedom to choose a role that aligns with your passions and interests, rather than taking a job for financial reasons. Follow your heart!
So, what exactly is a passion career? Simply, it is a pursuit that aligns with YOUR interests, values, and goals.
It is something that you are deeply passionate about and that brings you joy and fulfillment. It is something you invest a great deal of your time and energy into. More than a hobby, it produces some kind of output for someone beyond your immediate circle.
It could be for profit or not for profit; working for yourself or someone else. It could be one or more projects with a finite end or an ongoing endeavor. It could mean starting your own business, changing careers, or simply finding ways to incorporate your passions into your current job or day-to-day life. For example, if you are passionate about writing, you might consider becoming a freelance writer or starting a blog. If you are passionate about art, consider becoming an artist or starting an art gallery.
One of the benefits of pursuing a passion career is that it allows you to be productive in an area that you truly care about, rather than just going through the motions in a job that you don't enjoy.
Want to be a professional video gamer? A specialty cake decorator? A board member? GREAT! Financial independence can support the financial part of any dream while freeing up your time. Need new gaming equipment? Baking lessons? Time to dedicate? No problem. With passive income to cover both the routine monthly bills and any other anticipated expenditures, you’re free to pursue the work that makes your soul dizzy with excitement.
So, how can you pursue a passion career? Here are a few tips:
1. Identify your passions: The first step is to identify what you are truly passionate about. This may involve exploring different interests and hobbies, or simply thinking about what brings you joy and fulfillment. Your first stab at this doesn’t have to be your only or your last. Experiment!
2. Research and plan: Once you have identified your passions, do your research and plan out your next steps. Explore different career options, network with people in your field of interest, and find ways to gain experience and skills.
3. Find your tribe: Surround yourself with others who are doing what you want to be doing. Whether already experts in their field or just a few steps ahead of you on your journey, they’ll be sources of inspiration, support, and education. You become an average of the five people you spend the most time with - choose wisely.
4. Take small steps: Pursuing a passion career doesn't have to mean making a sudden, drastic change. Instead, try taking small steps towards your goal, even before you’ve accomplished FI. This could involve incorporating your passions into your current job, volunteering or interning in your field of interest, or starting a side hustle.
5. Don't be afraid to ask for help: Pursuing a passion career can be intimidating, but you don't have to go it alone. Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from your tribe.
Pursuing a passion career can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. You will be able to do work that you truly enjoy and that brings you joy and fulfillment, and you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the world if that’s your jam.
It also requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to take risks: mental, emotional, and financial. With FI, the financial risk is dampened considerably; your passion career need not be lucrative. Ideally, it contributes to your net worth and doesn’t compromise your financial independence, but knowing it doesn’t need to pay the bills can make all the difference if it means you actually pursue your passion.
Stephanie Brooke Lennon is the author of Family Bank Blueprint, GoldQuest, and What Would Water Do? Simple Strategies for Navigating Life's Obstacles. Her titles are available in Paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com. Follow Stephanie Brooke on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, Amazon, and at BrookeLennon.com.