The million dollar question is: Do you work for money or for passion? To begin with, there is neither a final conclusion nor a right or incorrect solution to this topic.
In a perfect world, we would all want to be doing what we love, following our interests, spending our days doing what we like, and retiring to bed each night feeling content and fulfilled. However, in reality, bills must be paid, mortgage or rent obligations must be fulfilled, and those orthodontic appointments won’t just take care of themselves.
The question is, where do you draw the line between doing what you love and what you need to do to make ends meet? Or, is there a way to accomplish both—and if so, how—and if so, how?
Depending on what your own price for happiness is, you may decide to pursue a job that prioritizes your passion over your financial success or vice versa. A person can be content without earning a lot of money, just as a person might be unhappy no matter how much money they have.
Choosing between following your passion and making money is a highly personal decision that depends on the value you place on your own happiness. A highly creative person won’t feel fulfilled and satisfied working as a bank clerk and may be prepared to give up job security to pursue a career that better fits their passion and creative abilities. By the same token, someone may forgo doing something they enjoy in favor of pursuing a profession focused on financial reward because they place a higher value on having a high salary than having the opportunity to work in a field they are enthusiastic about.
Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of wage vs. work satisfaction.
The pros choose passion to money
Strong work ethic; work is not a chore; passion drives greater accomplishment levels; personal fulfillment and professional satisfaction
Love above money: the drawbacks
Lack of separation between work and family life, financial instability, job insecurity, and personal uneasiness if success is not reached
Pay over commitment: the experts
Ability to prepare for the future; Financial stability; Job security; Less worry when expenses need to be paid
Paying for passion: drawbacks
Inability to achieve new professional highs Lack of excitement Routine and monotony – sensation of being in a “rut” Burnout risk
Some people find it simpler than others to choose between taking a career they are passionate about and following the money path. If software engineering sparks your interest, choosing to pursue a career in that field is simple since there is a good possibility you will land a well-paying position and be able to check off both the “passion” and “profit” boxes. But for certain people, like artists, singers, and instructors, their passion is less likely to be financially rewarding. It is a little more difficult for them to decide which course to choose.
At the end of the day, no amount of devotion can guarantee that there will be food on the table or money to cover the utility payment. For some fortunate individuals, passion can also result in financial gain, but for the majority, passion must be pursued after the bills have been paid!