Let’s Talk About Survival vs. Passion

Most of us were raised to get a job, so we’ll be able to pay whatever bills we end up getting and be able to take care of a family/household. Rarely, is someone raised to have happiness at the center of everything you do. Especially, since most of us growing up seen a hard working father or mother who worked long hours just to simply provide for his/her household. We also heard a lot of complaining about being tired and not being happy going to a place every day that they disliked. 

I am a health educator, when I go into middle schools I make sure they know the difference between a job and a career. A job is something you get to survive: to make money, pay bills, and something that should be temporary. A career is something that you enjoy and love to do; it’s your passion. It’s something you get up everyday and not feel forced to do. It’s something you can wake up everyday and do for free if there wasn’t any income available for you. 

Yes, realistically more than likely we all will start off working at a job because it’s something we “have” to do to get on our feet. Money is something that we all will need. It’s still your duty to yourself to never forget about your goals and dreams, while helping another company or organization fulfill theirs. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a job as a stepping stone to make sure at the end you reach your level of happiness. Even if the job is a stepping stone make sure you give your best efforts and self; you still have a reputation to uphold.

Back then there wasn’t much for us to choose from; in this day in age the sky is really the limit as long as you put in the effort and apply yourself. There’s even career assessments online to help you find what career path may be best for you based on your interest. Even back then women didn’t have the same rights as men, which caused women to rely on men to provide financially for the household. Times has definitely changed. It’s time to do what makes you happy, while also maintaining a family/household. Not just only focusing on what benefits you; you can have both and not have to choose!

Take a moment to think about: survival vs. passion. Which one is winning in your life right now? Which one will ultimately make you happy? Getting to your long-term passion and happiness should be the goal while you go through life, not just surviving. Until our next talk!