How to find your passion
When you have a job you enjoy and that excites you in some way, it doesn’t feel like hard work. You’re often more productive and feel a stronger sense of job satisfaction – the secret is finding a job that is somehow related to your passions. ‘But how to find my passion?’ you ask.
Finding your passion begins by looking at your values, skills, interests and aspirations. In this article, we provide tips that will help you find your passion and put you on the right path to a fulfilling job.
Why is it difficult to find your passion?
Some of the most popular search terms when it comes to career hunting are ‘how to find my passion’ and ‘finding my passion’. When trying to identify what you love to do, start by moving any roadblocks that might be in the way. Here are some reasons people find it difficult to find their passion.
Putting too much pressure on finding the ‘right’ passion
It’s common to have many different interests and skills, which may lead you to consider multiple career options in pursuit of a ‘dream job’. While this is good in theory, it can put a lot of pressure on you to find that one 'dream' job, which ironically might make you pass up other, just as enjoyable jobs. Being hyper-focused on a single job can get in the way of having a satisfying career.
Focusing on the destination instead of the process
Building from the previous point: are you so intent on one passion that you’re closing yourself off to development or exploration in other areas? By being too focused on your predefined career goal, you might miss chances to develop new skills or you could find yourself stuck on a pathway with limited options.
Succumbing to external influences
A major influence on your career path are family and societal expectations. But trying to keep your loved ones happy can clash with following your passions. You might also be influenced by glorified media portrayals of some careers, and think that they’re more exciting or interesting than they really are.
Fear of making the wrong choice
More often than not, people switch jobs several time over their careers, reflecting a natural shift in personal interests and values over time. It’s true that what you’re passionate about today might not excite you in a few years – and this thought can prevent you from making career decisions. By being afraid of making the ‘wrong’ choice you can end up stuck, not making any choices at all.
Finding your passion in a job
On average, we spend a third of our lives at work. So learning how to get some sort of enjoyment from your job is important for your overall wellbeing. If you’re wondering, ‘How do I find my passion at work?’ try the following tips.
Identify what you look forward to in your day
A good way to find your passion in your job is to start by looking at what you already do that makes you happy. Keep a daily journal and make a note of the tasks, projects and interactions that bring you a sense of excitement or fulfilment
After a week or so, look through your notes back and try to identify patterns. What types of activities gave you energy and made you happy? Was it working autonomously or collaborating with others? What skills were you using? Use your answers as a step towards finding a passion at work.
How do you spend your time and money?
Look at your spending habits if you’re wondering how to find your passion. Your weekend hobbies and leisure activities – anything you spend disposable income on – are big indicators of your values and passions.
Consider your strengths
Often your greatest strengths are related to your passions. Identify the work duties you do well and enjoy, and make a list of your strongest technical skills and soft skills at work. Finding a job where you can do more of what you’re good at will help you find your passion in the workplace.
Take note of what you enjoy talking about
Is there something you could talk about for hours? It’s likely that topic is something you’re passionate and knowledgeable about. If you’re trying to find your passions, think about conversations you’ve had with friends, family and colleagues, and identify what you’re enthusiastic about. Perhaps your loved ones have picked up on your interest and can help you out.
Dig deeper into your interests
Delve into your interests to determine if they’ve got potential to turn into a career. You may find your hobbies can be explored and developed into a job opportunity. For example, if you’re a keen gardener or hiker looking for a stress-free outdoor job, you could indulge your passions as a park ranger or landscaper.
Are there jobs that align with your interests?
If ‘finding my passion’ is at the top of your priority list while job hunting, search for roles that overlap with your interests. Using online career resources, like these SEEK Career Advice tools, can help you filter available jobs related to your interests and skills. You can also use an evaluation framework to compare careers you’re interested in and how well they align with your interests and strengths. Search online for ‘Job Decision Matrix’ or create your own.
Distinguish between a hobby and a job
One pitfall of turning a hobby into a career is that it can take the enjoyment out of something you previously loved. The pressure of monetising a pastime can outweigh the joy you get from it, especially if you work long hours or have lost creative freedom in the process. For example, cooking at home is completely different from being a chef in a commercial kitchen. Many enjoyable pastimes can become hard work once you’re obligated to do them.
Finding a passion at work is a worthwhile thing to aspire to, but it doesn't come without drawbacks. If finding passion at work is important to you, look at your interests and strengths and explore hobbies and pastimes that relate to a career. Be flexible and have realistic expectations for the best chance of finding a job you feel passionate about.
FAQs
How can I find my passion within my current role?
To discover your passion within your current role, start with identifying what you enjoy about your job. Make a list of what you like and what attracted you to that job in the beginning. Focus on developing the skills you enjoy using and the aspects of your job that excite you.
Is it okay if my passion isn’t directly related to my current job title?
It’s okay for your passions not to relate to your current job title. Some passions may easily overlap with a career, while others may only ever be a hobby. Many people have jobs they aren’t passionate about; it’s not uncommon to work a job solely to secure an income and enjoy passions outside of work.
How can I identify my strengths if I’m unsure what I’m good at?
If you’re unsure of your strengths, try asking colleagues, friends or family what you’re good at. You can also write a list of what you find easy to do or what others have given you praise for in the past.
What resources can help me explore different career options based on my interests?
Facebook groups, YouTube videos and job boards specific to your interests can help you learn how to find a passion that can help you land a fulfilling career. Follow people with similar interests already in a career in that area, so you can explore different options. Websites like SEEK provide different resources, like articles and job postings to help you explore different career paths.
Is it realistic to expect to find my dream job right away?
It may be unrealistic to expect to find your ‘dream’ job right away. You may need to work your way up, learn new skills, gain qualifications or even explore different career paths to find your ‘dream’ job.
What if my interests keep changing? How do I find a career path that can adapt?
When finding a career path that can adapt to your changing interests, consider what skills can transfer from job to job. For example, customer service, communication skills and computer skills can be applied to many different jobs. The average person has three to seven careers, so it’s normal to change jobs as your interests change.
I worry about sacrificing my passion for a stable job. Can I have both?
It’s possible to have both a stable job and one you’re passionate about. If your passions can earn a steady income or you can find a permanent role that aligns with your interests, you don’t have to sacrifice stability or passion. People who can’t earn a steady income from their passions can still enjoy pursuing them outside of work.
After all this exploration, what if I still feel lost? What are some next steps?
If you still feel lost about finding passion and a fulfilling career, try speaking to a mentor figure or someone else you trust and who knows you, for advice. Lots of people feel lost when it comes to finding a job and making career decisions, but an outside perspective can help. If you have access to one, a career coach may also be an option, to help point you in the right direction.
