Passion Vs Practicality: The Do's And Don'ts

“Follow your dreams!” “In this economy?”

Torn between doing the right thing and doing right by you? Even if you feel your current career path is the best decision you’ve made, it is normal to have doubts from time to time. The key is to toe the line between choosing your passion and making practical decisions. Nor Atikah Abdul Wahid outlines the do’s and don’ts in doing just that.

DON’T BECOME ATTACHED TO FUTURE PLANS

If you’ve done your homework above, great! But planning for the future must also include being prepared for the unexpected. Not long ago, many around the world were affected by COVID-19 by being forced to change career paths or even change jobs. Make no mistake, it will be a long while before the world recovers from the aftermath of the pandemic, thus it’s important to be more flexible when it comes to your future plans.

While it’s great to plan for your future career, you should also allow yourself the possibility of finding your true calling later in life. Whether you heed the call, however, is an entirely different story.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Researching about your chosen career path isn’t just about which job title sounds nice on a business card. There are many aspects to consider, such as the level of education and experience required for the position, salary expectations and job viability, especially in the wake of the global pandemic.

If this sounds overwhelming, seek out advice from lecturers, career counsellors and even, senior students. They can respond to your concerns with their own perspectives and experience, enabling you to imagine your prospective future better. Don’t just hit the books – hit up the people with the know-how, too!

DO EXPLORE DIFFERENT MODULE PATHWAYS

If opening up to different career paths sounds too extreme for you, consider exploring different module pathways within your department. Most higher education institutions encourage their students to explore various specialised subjects and sign up for classes from different departments before settling to a chosen career path. This not only gives you an overview of potential career choices but it also equips you with a diverse set of knowledge. For example, if you are a Psychology major, your range of potential career choices vary from forensic scientist to human resources executive. The choices you make while studying could easily change the direction of your career forcing you to make drastic changes.

DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF

People love to give themselves labels: extrovert, artistic, melancholic and the list goes on. While these labels can be useful for self-discovery, it would be a mistake to limit yourself based on preconceived notions of who you think you are at the moment. Do you feel pressured to choose a solitary job in a lab simply because you’re an introvert? Or are you aiming for an arts-related career simply because you’re an imaginative person? Basing your career on a prominent trait or strength ignores the fact that people can change and that every job requires various skills and traits. Sure, your detail-oriented personality may bode well for your medical studies but being an excellent doctor also requires great social skills in treating every patient. Instead of using your personality as a crutch or limit, evaluate your other abilities and traits to enhance them further.

DO WHAT EXCITES YOU

Perhaps ‘excite’ is a strong word but if you’re already dreading going to your classes now, imagine having a decades-long career based on those very same topics. If you don’t have any career or field that excites you, choose one that at least piques your curiosity. As time goes by, your priorities may change – you may swap a high-paying position for a fulfilling low-paying one and vice versa. However, a career that keeps you interested is the one that will demand you to change and improve to retain that career. Instead of seeing only obstacles, you welcome the challenges that come with the job and this will ensure longevity in career satisfaction.

DON’T IGNORE THE WARNING SIGNS

There is a difference between following your passion and freefalling into one. Even if you are committed to a career path, you need to acknowledge the potential negative aspects of the job, such as low salary, gruelling working hours, competitive job market and so on. While this exercise may damper the fire in you, it is vital to know what to expect in the long run. If you find these negative aspects worth the hassle of having your dreams come true, then carry on! But if you balk at the thought of being indefinitely unemployed or working in a high-tension environment, it’s time to go back to the drawing board.