‘Follow your passion’ is terrible advice
We’ve all heard it. In graduation speeches, in motivational posters, in the mouths of well-meaning mentors. "Follow your passion" is the default career advice of our time.
It’s also a lie.
Not a malicious lie, but a deeply flawed one. It’s a platitude that sounds inspiring but often leads to frustration, debt, and a portfolio of hobbies that should have stayed hobbies. The advice suggests that a pre-existing passion is the only valid starting point for a fulfilling career. If you don't have one, you're lost. If you do have one, you’re supposed to bet your entire professional life on it.
This is a terrible strategy.
Passion is not a plan. It's a feeling. And feelings are fickle. What you're passionate about at 22 might bore you to tears at 32. Basing your entire livelihood on a fleeting emotion is like building a house on a foundation of sand.
Furthermore, not all passions are created equal. You might be passionate about 18th-century pottery or competitive dog grooming, but the market might not share your enthusiasm. Passion doesn’t pay the bills. Value does.
So, what’s the alternative?
Stop trying to follow your passion. Instead, cultivate it.
Passion isn’t a lightning strike. It’s a slow burn. It’s the byproduct of mastering a skill that other people find valuable. It’s the deep satisfaction that comes from being exceptionally good at something that matters.
Nobody is born passionate about optimizing supply chains or structuring a leveraged buyout. They become passionate when they develop mastery, achieve results, and are recognized for their expertise. The confidence and fulfillment that stem from competence are far more durable than the fleeting excitement of a hobby.
Instead of asking, "What am I passionate about?" ask these questions instead:
What valuable problems can I solve? The world is full of complex, interesting problems. Find one that captures your intellectual curiosity and start developing the skills to solve it.
What skills can I stack? Forget the idea of having one singular talent. The most successful and fulfilled professionals combine several skills into a unique "skill stack" that makes them indispensable. Become good at public speaking, data analysis, and project management, and you’ll be more valuable than someone who is merely great at one.
Where can I find traction? Don’t just follow your interest; follow the opportunity. Look for fields and industries where you can get early wins, learn quickly, and build momentum. Mastery and success create their own kind of passion.
The goal isn't to monetize what you love. It's to become so good at something valuable that you can't help but love it. That’s where real career satisfaction is found. That’s how you build a professional life that is not only profitable but also deeply, unshakably fulfilling.