The “USA Today” newspaper was introduced on Sept. 15, 1982. Management described its innovative approach of reporting news as a short overview of major news events going on in the world. They believed people didn’t have time to read lengthy news stories and that consumers were looking for a short description of the biggest stories in 10 minutes or less. The approach has proven to be successful, and I find it ironic that we now have “tweets” which is an even shorter version of sharing one’s opinion about the news.
When I talk to people about developing career plans I’ve noticed that many are looking for a short, quick-fix answer to a very complicated issue. There’s a good chance you’ve heard the following quotes more than once: Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. … Follow your passion. … Work to become, not to acquire. … Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.
These inspirational quotes make us feel good, but do they really help us move forward? I’m passionate about golf, but I also realize I lack the talent to make it as a touring pro. There are millions of passionate musicians who enjoy local success but are unable to make a sustainable living in the profession they love. Visit any summer festival and you’ll see dozens of people who love designing jewelry, making furniture and designing clothes, but can they turn the hobby they love into a career that will pay the bills?
Turning a passion into a career takes more than passion; it also requires talent. Many of the required talents are above and beyond what we typically describe as our passions. I know an individual who has published several novels and is struggling to be become a full-time author. He spends one-third of his time writing and two-thirds on promotion, production and managing the business. He will be the first to tell you his skills above and beyond writing have just as much impact on his success as his skills as a writer.
What I’m suggesting is that passion and talent are not an either/or proposition. To follow your passion, you also need to develop other skills that will enable you to do what you really love. One of my son’s classmates loved surfing and also was a talented computer programmer. Eugene developed exceptional programming skills that enabled him to work as a job shopper on short-term projects that lasted between six months to a year. He would bank half of his salary and when the project was complete he would spend the next six months surfing. This may sound non-traditional to baby boomers, but this is becoming a growing trend in today’s job market.
This new paradigm of balancing our passion with marketable career skills requires one talent that is sometimes in short supply and that is self-discipline. When Eugene was enjoying the California surf he would always take a few days to continue to expand and improve his skills as a programmer. That commitment to remain marketable is what enabled him to find new contracts when it was time to replenish his bank account.
Following your passion as a full-time career will always be an appealing option, but it is not the only way to follow your passion and also live a fulfilling lifestyle. The number of people working on temporary projects or part-time employment will definitely continue to grow. Those who will be most successful with this new model are those who develop the ability to manage their finances and sustain marketable skills.
The story I shared about Eugene occurred more than 20 years ago. What I thought was quite irresponsible at the time has become the norm for millennials, and I must recognize Eugene as a trailblazer. If you’re struggling following your passion, maybe it’s time to consider a slightly different path. USA Today had no idea it would be reduced to a few short tweets, and I never imagined Eugene would be the model to balance our passion with marketable skills. Stop and think for a moment — I think we’re on to something.
