Lately,
I have been thinking much about my career journey and how it relates to the
advice I have given others. I have been one of those fathers who told his daughters
to “follow your passions and get good at what you like to do. Eventually,
someone will pay you to do those things at which you have become good.” This line
of reasoning does make sense in certain job markets and economic situations. In
other scenarios, it may not be as good. Thomas Edison and Mike Rowe have some
different advice.
Opportunity
is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. – Thomas A. Edison, US inventor (1847 – 1931)
Passion is too important to be without, but too fickle to be
guided by. Which is why I’m more inclined to say, ‘Don’t Follow Your Passion,
But Always Bring it With You.’ – Mike Rowe
Terrible Advice: “Follow your passion.” . . .Dirty Truth: “Just because you are passionate about something,
it does not mean that you are good at it.” . . .When it comes to your hobbies: “By all means, follow your
passions.” . . .Dirty Truth 2: “Follow opportunities not your passions.” . . .Dirty Truth 3: “Don’t follow your passion, but always bring it
with you.”
Occasionally, someone has the good fortune of being able to do
their hobby and get paid for it. Perhaps this is when passion and opportunity align.
That may be a worthwhile pursuit; yet, I suspect that following legitimate opportunities, over following legitimate passions, is the more probable road to success.
their hobby and get paid for it. Perhaps this is when passion and opportunity align.
That may be a worthwhile pursuit; yet, I suspect that following legitimate opportunities, over following legitimate passions, is the more probable road to success.