Understanding Passion and Career Choices

Had my parents and mentors suggested I simply “Follow your passion,” I would likely have been at a loss. It’s possible I would have become a fraction of the person I am today. While there’s a chance I could have achieved greater success, that remains purely speculative. My journey has been filled with unexpected turns—from aspiring to be a cricketer as a child, to envisioning a future in computer science, to ultimately being persuaded by friends to pursue an engineering degree at university. These were all rational decisions, yet I question whether passion played any significant role in them.

What exactly is passion? Why do we often dismiss the professions of our parents and grandparents that provided us with stability? These questions often arise when I hear the frequently quoted advice to “Follow your passion.”

I only discovered my true career interests during the final year of my engineering program. This realization came through dedicating time and energy to pursuits that I found enjoyable, gradually improving at them, and recognizing their significance both for myself and for society at large. I followed my curiosity, and in doing so, passion revealed itself to me; it wasn’t something I was inherently born with.

Photo by Gary Butterfield on Unsplash

Reframing Our Approach to Career Paths

It's time to shift the narrative. By broadening our horizons and seeking new opportunities, we can unveil fresh possibilities. Continuous learning and exploration are vital in our quest to find meaning in our lives. Throughout this journey, we will inevitably face challenges and obstacles. It is during these times that we must delve deep within ourselves to muster the resilience required to navigate through tough moments and continue our personal growth.

If I ever have the chance to offer career guidance, it would be to “Embrace curiosity. Pursue your strengths.”

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Cal Newport discusses why the advice to "Follow your passion" can be misleading and offers a more pragmatic approach to career fulfillment.

In this video, the speaker explains why the notion of following your passion might be detrimental and suggests alternative paths to discovering meaningful work.