We are often told to pursue work we’re passionate about, but for many people, this simply isn’t feasible. In Mad Men, Marie Calvet tells her daughter Megan, “Not every little girl gets to do what they want. The world cannot support that many ballerinas.” In reality you need to fall somewhere between the two. You need to be passionate about your work, but it doesn’t need to be your passion.
Research shows that doing something you care about outside of work can benefit both your personal life and your career. Look for ways to craft your job to allow for more time for non-work passions. Make time for other interests. These extracurricular activities can be a way to develop skills, meet new people, or decompress.Ask yourself what you care about that you haven’t been able to pursue in your job.
Outside of work, you have the freedom to try new things out, so experiment. Remember that passions can wax and wane over time, and it’s okay to stop one activity and pick up another. Find other people who care deeply about your shared interest so you can build a sense of community. Only a privileged few are able to match their passion to their job, but leading a full life outside of work allows us to bring our best selves to the office — or anywhere we go.
To find out how a Modern Observer Group coach can help you find and achieve your passion, schedule a call here.
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