How to follow a passion in choosing a career

Octavia Tsibes
There are two kinds of ways to make money: doing something you love, and doing something you don't love. As Confucius said, “Choose a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life.” This quote doesn't mean every day will be smooth sailing, but by following your true north, you'll likely wind up exactly where you want to be.

1. Pinpoint your passion. Maybe you've wanted to be a bestselling author ever since you first learned how to read, or perhaps you've tried everything from painting to party planning to fashion design.

Either way, it's time to brainstorm what you really want to do for the rest of your life, and which career would best suit your most favourite endeavours. Ask yourself the following questions: What activities make me feel the happiest? How would I spend my days if money was no object? How do I want my life to look 20 years from now?

2. Create a list of careers that mirror your passion. For example, if you really love to argue and you like to help people, maybe you'd make a good lawyer. If you have a knack for going into your friends' closets and creating cute combinations they'd never considered, you might make an excellent stylist, fashion designer or clothing store buyer.

3. Research the careers you're considering.

Find out what credentials and experiences are required to break into the industry.

Look into how much money you stand to make and whether there are opportunities for advancement. For each career, ­visualize the kind of life you think you'd have – would you have time to spend with your family and friends? Would you feel fulfilled at the end of the day? Would you feel well compensated for your time and effort? Choose the career scenario that most closely illustrates the life you really want.

4. Create a backup plan if succeeding in your passion requires more luck than skill, such as if you wanted to become an artist, actor or writer. Consider becoming ­licensed to teach your craft – that way, you'll have a steady income, as well as weekends and summers free to ­diligently pursue your passion.

- https://www.inc.com