Following, or Finding, your Passion?

First-time job seekers frequently wonder whether they should take the first position offered to them, or wait for something that corresponds more with their passions. While these jobs certainly exist, few, especially at the entry-level, appear outwardly inspiring. But finding one’s passion at work is not necessarily a matter of what jobs you’re offered, but rather comes from getting to work and putting oneself in the way of success.

It’s worth noting that even creative jobs are not exempt from the paperwork, meetings, and bureaucracy of more traditional positions. Paid writers have workshops and deadlines. Paid artists have time-clocks and overbearing bosses. Prominent musicians still report to studio executives, who give endless notes and take large cuts of all profit. Rejecting good positions so as to preserve oneself for an unpromised job elsewhere is short-term thinking. If someone entering the job market really wants to “follow their passion,” they should reflect on what they’re passionate about, understand the associated skills, and identify what positions will allow them to cultivate those skills.  

Case in point: A 2019 college graduate came out of school with degrees in both Environmental Policy and Fashion Studies. She had graduated with honors, completed multiple internships, and diligently prepared for interviews. This graduate spent her last semester searching for positions which specifically spoke to her passions, but such jobs were scarce. A few second/third-round interviews ended with rejections. Promises from hiring managers proved false, and the job search became frustrating. Eventually, she took an uninspiring, albeit productive, position at a hair-care company. 

Less than two years later, however, she had been promoted to Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator, a sustainability-focused role which the company had created for her personally. She’d entered her initial position with an understanding of her skills, made these skills invaluable at every opportunity, and anticipated the company’s shift towards sustainability. This is the kind of savvy invaluable to first-time job applicants.

Her case demonstrates the unpredictable nature of employment, something hard to understand without prior experience in the job market. Frequently, companies merge or get bought, are sold, change directions, add new talent, or lose employees to their own self-started businesses. It’s impossible to anticipate where any-given position will lead. “Uninspiring” jobs often lead to exciting and unique opportunities elsewhere. So, it is paramount to take a job, get experience in the workplace, and begin building a network. Hard-workers are recognized everywhere, but they must be actively working in order for that to happen.

This is why the best thing anyone can do for future success is get to work now. This doesn’t necessarily require taking long-term positions, however. Some people will find value in freelancing, or in contract work which allows them to conduct business for a variety of clients. Self-starting is an entirely legitimate avenue towards success, but starting, and starting soon, is crucial. There are endless opportunities for talented, hard-working people, so get started cultivating your talent, cultivating your skills, and working hard. There is room in every industry for talented individuals. Become talented, keep your eyes open, and the opportunities you dream about might very well land in your lap.