One of the pieces of advice people get while pursuing their career options is to follow your passion, but still, there are 3 out of 10 people who really do follow their passion as a profession. Studies show that only 20% of people follow their passion and continue as their profession. But is it that simple to follow our passion as a profession?
The reality is far away from what we imagine. Often while pursuing your passion there are many stereotypes. In this article, we have jotted down some of the major 7 stereotypes individual faces when it comes to following their passion as a profession.
“I'll let you in on a little secret. We don't all love our jobs every day. And doing something you have passion for doesn't make the work part of it any easier... It just makes you less likely to quit." Kate Jacobs
1. Societal Norms
Have you ever been in one of those situations where you have heard your parents saying that the following passion is not ‘practical’? Mostly they refer to it as a financial benefit.
There are various societal norms while following your passion as a profession such as leading a stable income, facing losses, fear of failure, will that profession lead to profitability.
Often celebrities, entrepreneurs quote in their speech to find your profession and do what makes you happy. In reality, happiness does not only depend on what profession we choose.
2. Will my passion lead to a stable career?
Most people who follow their passion do not lead to a successful career. This is one of the major stereotypes people face while planning to pursue their passion as a profession.
Most people settle with their job or the work which they do because it is stable whether they are happy or not.
To lead a stable career while pursuing your passion, you need to hit that clock and work extra time. To come out of the comfort zone and start building rather than procrastinating.
3. Am I good enough as compared to the competitors?
Most people are left behind with the constant fear of self-doubt. In today’s time, there is a platform for everything, the level of competition in every field is increasing day by day. This stereotype often leads to leaving the passion behind and many people settle down.
During such questions, the only answer is to be so good at what you’re passionate about that they cannot ignore it.
Develop your skills, constantly learn, learn from your competitors. Be updated with the current market trend, analyze what your audience is looking for. These can help you to boost confidence and be creative.
4. What if my passion changes?
Interests change from time to time. But your passion might change, it is not necessary.
What if my passion changes, I want to do something else?
This is one of the stereotypes why people end up in the same place. Most people come across this phase where they are confused about choosing their passion as a profession as a change in interest and passion. So if you plan your profession based on your passion, knowing it varies from time to time, you may fall in trouble.
During this stage, you need to understand what your goals are and then pursue your passion as a profession.
5. Shifting jobs frequently in search of passion
This job sucks. I am not happy working in this role. I am not interested in working in this field.
Yes. We all have come across this phrase at least once in our life. Many people fail in pursuing their passion as a profession because they keep on shifting from one role to another. Employees who are more passionate and serious about making a career by following their passion usually stick to one job and search for a happy ending.
Shifting your job consistently just because it does not lead to your passion may land you nowhere, and you will end up settling for a job that you do not desire.
Hence, rather than shifting jobs frequently, work on your skills and current job demand. This can help you to find your job which you are passionate about and continue pursuing it as your passion.
6. Questioning your skills and abilities
To follow your passion as a profession you need to step out of your comfort zone, and this is something most people are scared to do so. Likewise, one of the most asked questions is,
Will my skill and abilities lead to a sustainable lifestyle?
Is my passion outdated?
Can I face the risk and challenges?
Everyday competition is growing, the audience is smarter than ever. Asking this question to yourself is the right way to analyze our own strengths and weakness and to overcome it by practicing.
7. It is too risky
Oh, it is too risky? You will not earn much.
Such stereotypes mostly lead is to give away our dream of turning our passion into a profession.
Let's take an example, Walt Disney failed for a long time, launched several unsuccessful animation companies, and finally in 1928 launched Mickey Mouse. The rest is history.
Walt's passion for drawing turned out to be so immense he himself never thought of it.
Sometimes it is risky, yes. But in the process of growing, failing, you learn eventually. The ongoing challenges help us to understand the process more.
You may come across various stereotypes while turning your passion into a profession. But the most important thing is not to ignore your instincts and capabilities to make it happen.
Improving your skill sets, constant learning, being innovative and creative can help you to reach your desire and can also lead to sustainable growth and lifestyle. The most important of all is Taking Risks and seeking the right opportunities.