Passion or Profession? Finding the Perfect Balance
Passion or Profession? Finding the Perfect Balance
Well, Jeff Bezos went to space and came back, while I was involved in a thrilling game of Catan!
At least, we both had something to look forward to!?
Watching the entire scene unfold on CNN News later, my emotions were anticipatory, waiting for a miracle to happen and it did, with the space shuttle taking off. Though, as it descended within a few minutes, I couldn’t help but compare it to the amusement ride ‘Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom’. The people go up at a rapid speed and drop at a rapid speed when on this ride, much like our Jeff Bezos team.
In a decade, touching space will be all about embarking on a few minutes of fun and delight, right?
Whatever it is, I will get on the Blue Origin and be weightless in space, for a few minutes, any day!
What About You?
Moving towards the main subject…
Passion or Profession. That’s a dilemma for the majority of people.
This decision has the power to make or break someone’s life and we do not give it enough credit. In my case, I was lucky enough to do what I wanted. But, I have seen several people struggling with this balance.
Here are 3 practical tips to help you create that balance:
Be Fearless: Our fear is our greatest hindrance. Family pressure, unreliability on our passions paying well or comfort in that old-school routine. Purging those fears through self-realization is important to have a clear mind.
Any profession takes about 4-5 years to bear fruit. If you do not give that time to your dream, then you’ll never know ‘what could have happened. For starter’s sake, you can begin by conducting research and doing a side gig based on what you like. If that starts looking good, leave the straight path and make your own bridge to fulfilment.
“Fret not where the road will take you. Instead, concentrate on the first step. That’s the hardest part and that’s what you are responsible for. Once you take that step let everything do what it naturally does and the rest will follow. Do not go with the flow. Be the flow.” - Elif Shafak
Gain Confidence: You should know exactly what your dreams are and know that you have to reach those aspirations one day. That self-instilled confidence will make the balance much easier.
I met a Finance student one day who told me that he desired to travel the world but he was not sure of its economic stability. So, he planned to work for 5 years in Finance, alongside understanding the travel possibilities/opportunities. After five years, he would quit his job and become a full-time traveller. The initial expenses would be paid by the collected savings with the future plans already set in place.
It wasn’t the plans that mattered. It was his confidence and belief in them that did.
“Kamyabi Ke Peeche Mat Bhago, Kabil Bano,
Kamyabi Tumhare Peeche Jhak Mar Ke Ayegi!” - 3 Idiots, Movie
(Translation: Don’t run after success, instead become competent. Success will follow you, once you do that.)
Network: One of the most important things when looking to move towards any career path is Networking. Talk to professionals at high posts in the field for guidance (Linkedin and Twitter are great options) or find similar connections forming productive friendships. This will help you understand - how to enter the field of work, succeed in it or even the skills required. Networking also allows recognition in front of a large group of people.
Movie Time - The Last Letter From Your Lover
Watched the Netflix movie ‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ last Saturday night and I absolutely loved it! For fiction lovers, this movie is a remake of a Jojo Moyes novel, who is also the author of ‘Me Before You’.
It has a very Nicholas Spark story vibe. With letters, long-lost lovers and their unrequited stories.
The lead actress Shailene Woodley’s acting makes it a wonderful watch.
It has a happy ending!
That’s all folks! Check out my previous newsletters if you haven’t already -