Ignite Your Passion

Work at something you love

Do you love your job? Do you even like it? Or do you find your work about as interesting as spending eight hours a day watching paint dry?

Unfortunately, many people don’t enjoy their work. What’s worse is that they have no expectation that they should. Work is often seen as the means to an end. Work your job, so you can pay your bills.

Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re unhappy, you can change your situation. All you need is to find the courage to follow your heart, to work at something you love.

If you think this is a radical idea, consider this: Successful people are passionate about their work. It’s the passion for what they do that makes the challenges surmountable and the bad days bearable.

But what ignites that passion is different for everyone. Some people love music, some people get a kick out of organizing things, still others are energized when they’re helping others. Find out what excites you and go for it.

Let’s say music is your passion. You’ve been studying piano since you were able to climb onto the stool. But, realistically, you know that earning your living, as a musician is not an option. That doesn’t mean you should rule out a career in music. Before you turn your back on your passion, look for other opportunities in the music business.

Many people think of a job in finite terms, as a box you climb into. For instance, someone is a writer, a secretary, an accountant, a salesperson, etc. But every position has two components: the duties and the industry. And changing the combination changes the job.

A secretary in a legal firm has a different experience than a secretary who works in advertising. Likewise, a magazine writer works in a different environment than a technical writer who works for a computer software company. And being a musician is only one position in the music industry.

So if you love music, work for Virgin Records. Consider a job at Sam Goody or maybe your local radio station. Do a little research to find out what’s available in your area. Talk to people who work in the industry. Use them for inspiration and ideas. Don’t waste your time lamenting specific jobs you believe are out of your reach. Use your creativity; come up with a strategy that will move you into a job you will enjoy.

Working in an industry you love makes a big difference. Let’s say you’re a secretary working for an insurance firm, but your passion in life is writing. Wouldn’t you be happier working for a publishing house surrounded by people who share similar interests? A place where you might get the chance to take on additional duties? And have the opportunity to grow?

I’ve been fortunate enough to hold several positions, which were challenging, fulfilling and fun. I worked in a stimulating environment and met colleagues who remain friends. Like most people, I’ve also held the other kind. The ones that drain your soul and leave you disgruntled at the end of the day. Little by little, they deplete your resources, and take their toll, on your professional and personal lives.

Life is short. Don’t waste your life waiting for the weekends. Find something that ignites your passion and go for it. In the words of author H. Jackson Browne, “Find a job you like and you add five days to every week.”

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