A Missing Element
Recently I’ve been diving into two articles on “Following Your Passion,” which has been quite the insight because they both dislike the saying so much. Both were informative and the advice given in each is sound. However, I want to share with you all what I think about the two articles. Not because I am against their advice. No, I think my mind is now much clearer on what exactly one must do to chase their passions. Today I want to share with you two similarly titled articles, their points of views, and what I feel is missing in their philosophy. What I hope to share with you is: if you are right now pursuing a career determined on your enthusiasm to and enjoyment of its endeavors, you are absolutely doing the right thing. If you are well informed, well studied, and prepared for the difficulties ahead, I see no reason why you shouldn’t follow your passion.
The first is titled “‘Find Your Passion’ Is Awful Advice” by Olga Khazan and makes a point to address the audience when stating basically that there are two types of people. Two types of people, one that is adaptable to challenges and one that isn’t. She is valid in generalizing in this fashion, she has the facts and professors that back up the information she brings to light. Khazan encourages the reader to fulfill the challenges that work and life throw at us, to gain an interest in the field you are working towards, and to adapt your perspective. “Passions aren’t ‘found,’… They’re developed.”
The second is titled “’Following Your Passion’ Is Dead – Here’s What to Replace It With” by Michal B. His article makes it clear he isn’t interested in the idea of following your passion. Going on to quote professors and professionals that feel it’s entirely selfish to do so.” The positive counterpoint to Jobsian narcissism...” (to follow your passion that is). The article goes on to criticize that the thought of pursuing a dream career is careless when it doesn’t line up to the market demand. The gist of his article is to be present in what the world needs and contribute. To chase a passion is a luxury.
Interestingly, I read both thinking they were the same. Only when I looked further did they really start to have different opinions. Khazan wants us to follow an old saying, whether she knows it or not, “love what you do, not do what you love” is her advice to those of us that struggle and stagnate in a job. Michal’s counter point summarizes to a short “worry about what the region needs not what you want.” It is difficult for me to say I disagree. In fact, I both disagree and agree. My own perspective on the matter of “Following Your Passion” starts with the explanation of why someone would be unhappy in their current career.
The truth is you can develop a passion with the amount of investment you place in the subject; despite the challenges and obstacles. If someone is uninterested in the field of work, that person will grow tired and bored. When that tiredness hits a certain level the person will leave, find something new, or become listless as they go from one thing to the next. The person will repeat the cycle. Putting in the time, interest, and effort to develop a skill in that job can be an instrumental key in loving what you do. In conclusion, you all, invest some interest into your current career. You might find something you genuinely like in those skills you are acquiring on the job.
Work Cited:
Olga Khazan [ July 12, 2018] “Follow Your Passion” Is Awful Advice. The Atlantic website. Retrieved September 24, 2019 from: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/07/find-your-passion-is-terrible-advice/564932/
Michal Bohanes [July 5, 2018] "Following your passion" is dead - Here’s what to replace it with. Forbes website. Retrieved September 19, 2019 from:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/michalbohanes/2018/07/05/following-your-passion-is-dead-heres-what-to-replace-it-with/#3c035f327f83