What makes you happy in life? What are your hobbies? What are some things you don’t enjoy doing?
These are just a few of the questions I encourage you to ask yourself if you’re feeling undecided about your career path. But why do I always ask people what they’re passionate about?
Let’s start with this:
What does “passionate” even mean?
The definition of passionate is showing or caused by strong feelings or strong belief.
Growing up, I always heard things like, “Just pick a job and stick with it for 40 years until you retire.”
But… why would anyone choose a job they don’t even like? Why suffer through the madness of building a life around something that brings you no joy—just for the sake of having a job?
Now don’t get me wrong—I completely understand taking a job to provide for yourself or your family. But if you can find a role that supports you and feeds your soul? You’re setting yourself up for a more positive, fulfilled life.
Because the truth is, when you’re passionate about what you do, you tend to live a happier and healthier life.
So, what’s my passion?
My passion is helping people. But how did I figure that out?
Trial and error.
Most of my full-time jobs since I was 24 have involved supporting others in some way. I’ve worked in law enforcement, college housing, admissions, recruiting—and for the last 6 years, I’ve finally found my true career home: Career Services.
It took time. It took patience. It took learning from experiences that weren’t always the right fit. But that journey helped me get here.
And maybe you’re reading this and thinking of people in your life who already seem to have it all figured out. Maybe things just… came easier to them. And hey, good for them. Seriously.
But for the rest of us? Sometimes we have to walk a few unexpected paths before we land on the right one. And I promise you—the destination is that much sweeter when you’ve worked hard to get there.
So what can you do right now?
Start by looking at the things you love. What lights you up? What makes you feel like you? Even if your passion doesn’t turn into a full-time career, it may still hold the key to the transferable skills you already have.
For example, maybe you love playing Dungeons & Dragons (DND). You may not want a job in DND, but think about the skills you use when you play:
- Communication
- Patience
- Loyalty
- Time management
- Teamwork
- Planning
- Vision
- And yes—imagination is a strength in life.
Now take those strengths and look at which careers value them. You’ll be surprised how much of what you already love doing is preparing you for something bigger.
Choosing a career isn’t just a coin toss. Don’t rush something that’s going to become such a big part of your identity just to make others happy or proud.
Do it for you.
Be patient with yourself.
And never forget that your passion matters.
