UNCOVERING YOUR PASSION & PURSUING IT

By Crystal Rankin

One of the most important decisions you will have to make in life is deciding what career or profession best suits you. Whether it be working incorporate, the medical field, the fashion industry, the entertainment business or even entrepreneurship, there are important questions that you should ask yourself and factors that you should consider prior to sealing the deal on what you believe to be your purpose and passion.

Some of us are working in careers that we are not necessarily passionate about. This doesn't mean that you need to quit your job to find your passion; it just means that you may need to think about what truly makes you happy and determine if you should pursue it along with your day job or if you should only pursue your passion. Whichever route you take, it should make sense from a financial and self-satisfaction standpoint.

These are just a few pointers to keep in mind as you start a career or reconsider what career path is best for you. Remember that a career isn't necessarily your passion (but it can be if you follow some of these steps!) but you can certainly make your passion your career! Good luck to you in your pursuit of greatness!

WHAT ARE YOU GOOD AT?

Your career should be something that you are qualified to do or work that someone is willing to pay you to do on their behalf. For instance. if your passion is healing or helping people, then a qualified individual is someone that has some sort of medical degree (the study of medicine) or theology/religious degree (the study of religion). Not only should you hold a degree (be qualified) but there must be someone willing to pay you to provide such services, a hospital or church in this example.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING?

As you may already know, sometimes people are qualified to do work that doesn't necessarily make them happy. To uncover your passion, you must figure out not only what you are qualified to do, but also what you enjoy doing. Your passion is something that you would do even if you were not being compensated to do it. Passion is something that you get satisfaction from even when you are providing a good or service to someone else. A retired teacher who volunteers to teach for self-fulfillment and satisfaction is an example of someone who has a passion for teaching.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?

If you are not sure what you're good at or what you enjoy doing, think about what you do in your spare time? Are you the friend that everyone calls for advice? If so, maybe counseling is for you, Do you get compliments about your hair or clothing that you've styled or designed? Well, cosmetology or fashion may be the career choice for you.

WHAT TYPES OF CAREERS ARE AVAILABLE?

Business, law, Healthcare, Fashion and Design. Cosmetology, Entertainment, IT/Computer Networking, Real Estate, Education, Ministry, Home Improvement/Construction and Entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is a career path that can be a combination of the fields from above but you would be starting your own business offering a specific good or service.

IS THERE A NEED FOR MY EXPERTISE?

Research the demographics (population, people, etc,) of the area where you plan to work or run your business and determine if there is a need for your skills; or the product or service you plan to offer if you plan to become an entrepreneur.

AM I QUALIFIED?

As we discussed above, you must have appropriate credentials lo work in certain fields and/or lo hold certain titles, Make sure the degree or work experience that you possess is conducive to the career you plan to pursue.

ARE YOU FINANCIALLY STABLE?

We discussed working in a career that wasn't a passion and potentially having to pursue your passion in addition to your day job; or, solely pursuing your passion, If working your passion pays the bills, go for it! If not, keep the day job until your passion reaps more benefits, Your passion may be something that you do for satisfaction along with no intentions of leaving your day job but that is another topic worthy of discussion.

Spring 2016

Images: Pexels (3)