Most people don’t love what they do. They go to work every day to earn a paycheck, not because they’re passionate about the work they’re doing. According to a recent Gallup poll, 70% of Americans are not engaged in their current job.
I can’t say the statistic surprised me, but I can say, it made me sad.
I never wanted to be that 70%. Since I was 18 and I transferred from my Big 10 University to an urban art college, I knew that if I was going to spend 45+ hours a week doing something, I wanted to enjoy it. Finding something you’d enjoy doing during that time is easy; it’s finding a way to get paid for it that can be tricky.
But tricky doesn’t mean impossible.
The first step is identifying something that you love. For me, it was reading and writing, anything from books to magazines to blog posts. There are other things I love too (swimming, dogs, etc.) but these were things I wanted to leave to hobby rather than turning them into a career. I recommend taking a week or so and creating a list of things you enjoy. Then, go through each one and think about what it would mean to turn that love into a career. Keep in mind, once it becomes a career, your feelings toward it may shift. I still love reading, but as a book publicist, my reading for pleasure time is extremely limited and when I do sit down to read non-client related material, it’s difficult to turn the publicist brain off.
Once you know the direction you want to go, it’s time to figure out how to earn a living at it. There is no right or wrong way to do this, you have to go with what makes sense for you. A few options are:
- Keep the Occupation, Change the Industry. If you’re a CPA, take your business skills to a company you’re passionate about. If you love to cook, apply for a finance or accounting job at restaurant group or companies like William and Sonoma or Whole Foods. If you’re in advertising, but you’re passionate about nature and conservation, look for internal roles at REI or environmental not-for-profits.
- Re-Purpose Existing Skill Set. If you’re a lawyer, chances are, you know how to write and are a strong speaker. If you’re an administrative assistant, you’re probably highly organized and able to multi-task. If you’re in sales, you know how to write pitch emails and talk to people on the phone. You can take these skills and apply them to a new, more enjoyable role. Use your organization skills to leverage a position with a party planning company. Take your writing skills to a travel magazine or entertainment website or publishing house. Your occupation is a sum of all of your skills, but those skills can be applied to dozens of occupations.
- Create Something for Yourself. No jobs on the market that excite you? Can’t seem to find the right fit? Then start something for yourself. This is, by far, the most difficult and risky of the three options, but I can tell you first hand, it can be the most rewarding. Think about the thing you love to do and why you love to do it. Think about ways you can convert that love into a full time job. It may be as simple as launching your own photography business or going to culinary school to become a chef. But sometimes, the perfect role isn’t as obvious…
When I graduated with a B.A. in Fiction Writing I thought I was going to be a writer. I freelanced for magazines, newspapers, corporations, really anyone who would pay me to string words together. As a freelance writer, my favorite gigs were book reviews because I loved telling people what to read. I soon realized that while I loved to write, that didn’t necessarily mean I should be a writer. Combining my writing skills with my desire to spread the word about good books is what led to my career as a book publicist.
The right path is not always the most obvious one; if you’re passionate about photography, becoming a photographer isn’t your only option. Whether you keep your occupation, but shift your industry or launch a new company from the ground up, it’s possible to enjoy the 45+ hours each week. Don’t settle for being the 70%.
Dana Kaye is the owner of Kaye Publicity, a boutique PR company specializing in publishing and entertainment. Known for her innovative ideas and knowledge of current trends, she frequently writes and speaks on the topics of social media, branding, and publishing trends. For more, visit www.KayePublicity.
Terry says
July 6, 2014 at 6:49 pmIt is GREAT when you love what you do and can make a career out of what you love. If I had a do over, I probably wouldn’t do anything different.
Heather says
July 6, 2014 at 7:13 pmThese are great discussion points that everyone should read. Finding a job you actually enjoy doing equals success.
aimee fauci says
July 6, 2014 at 7:54 pmIt’s true.. when looking for a job people should try to look for the less obvious job. Listing what you enjoy is a good idea that way your mind is open when you are applying.. but sadly.. many times people have to take what they can get.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
July 7, 2014 at 2:26 amThis made me think of my sister. She is an artist, double majored in art history & illistration at the Mass College of Art and now she works with mutual funds. It’s a job, but she is definitely not doing what loves.
Jennifer Williams says
July 7, 2014 at 5:34 amUnfortunately you can have someone destroy your passion too. I knew when I was a child what I wanted to do and I did it but had a horrible boss that took away everything I loved about my career. Try to go for a field that is not as narrow as mine was so you can switch jobs and keep the passion for what you do alive.
Onica {MommyFactor} says
July 7, 2014 at 6:04 amSome great tips that I hope some people put into action for their lives. To many people working at a job and being so unhappy.
Amber NElson says
July 7, 2014 at 9:28 amYou have to do something that you love if you are going to be there day in and day out.
Kay Adeola says
July 7, 2014 at 11:57 amThese are great tips.It is so much better to do something you love if not whats the point when you do not want to be there.
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
July 7, 2014 at 11:58 amThis is a fantastic post! Great for sharing with students, too! Thank you!
Krystal says
July 7, 2014 at 1:14 pmThis is majorly inspiring for me. I am working on turning my passion into a legit full time gig!
Ronnie says
July 7, 2014 at 1:47 pmI’m part of that 70% unfortunately… I’m trying now to get into a new career path as the current one is heading nowhere and I’m not enjoying it.
Pam says
July 7, 2014 at 4:41 pmI have finally been able to make a job out of what I love. I wish that it were that easy for everyone!
Veronica says
July 7, 2014 at 5:39 pmIt is an awesome gift doing what you are passionate about. That’s what keep s me moving forward even in tough times
Theresa says
July 7, 2014 at 6:06 pmIt really is important to love what you do. My husband is part of that 70% and I hate seeing him stressed out each day. I would love for him to find work doing something he is passionate about.
janelle says
July 7, 2014 at 6:27 pmi definitely don’t love my “real” job, but i am doing all i can to make this passion of mine a reality. nice post
April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition says
July 7, 2014 at 7:59 pmIt’s great to be able to do what you love but sometimes takes a while to figure out what that really is. It’s been important for me to work through the earning paycheck time to truly appreciate the opportunity to work even harder and longer but love it.
Marielle Altenor says
July 7, 2014 at 8:53 pmI’m envious of people that have amazing talents, such as paining, writing, etc. And they can use those skills to make a living!
Annie Mai says
July 7, 2014 at 9:18 pmI tell a lot of people this as I love doing my job & continue to enjoy it everyday instead of it becoming an everyday thing. Do what you love & do it with passion! 🙂
Liz Mays says
July 8, 2014 at 7:42 amGreat point that we sometimes have to forge our own paths instead of being stuck in a rut. It’s so much nicer when you love what you’re doing!
Tough Cookie Mommy says
July 8, 2014 at 9:45 amI think it is sad that so many people are unhappy at their workplace. I’m sure it has a profound impact on their level of productivity.
Megan @ C'mon Get Crafty says
July 8, 2014 at 10:25 amAnother point I like to make, is the people you work with and for. Can’t say insurance is my dream job, but having a boss who is AMAZING makes each work day a pleasure.
Sarah Bailey says
July 8, 2014 at 12:10 pmWhat a great post, I think it can make all the difference being able to do something you love as your job 🙂 c
Rosey says
July 8, 2014 at 1:41 pmI love that you found your path. And you’re right, it’s not always what we think it’s going to be. 🙂
amanda @attachedmoms says
July 9, 2014 at 1:36 am“WORK” doesn’t seem like work when you enjoy it. Having passion can make it a lot better, even if as much mjoney doesn’t follow.