I've personally always been raised to believe that work isn't work, if you're doing what you love. A career isn't a career if you're pursuing your passion. Even if you work 9 to 5, five out of seven days of the week, if you are doing something you're crazy about, then you're in the right position.
What most people struggle with is finding what it is they love in the first place. It's not all that complicated, just learn to be introspective.
1. Look back at your childhood and think about what you used to love.
I recently started my own fashion blog. You hear stories all the time of fashion designers saying they knew they were destined for such a career since childhood, same goes for singers. However, I didn't see a connection until I really thought about it.
When I was 12, every month I would get a set of new magazines and make collage after collage out of them. My scissors and tape were my best friends and I ruined the back of my bedroom doors. But I finally realized that I've always loved the confluence of photography, writing and fashion. It probably won't be my career, but it is a passion.
2. If you're really clueless, try new things and go outside your comfort zone.
Most all of our growing as humans happens when we step outside of our comfort zone. It's true and a cliché for a reason. Take your hand at yoga and maybe you'll find that you want to be a teacher. Volunteer with children or the elderly and maybe you'll realize you want to give back in some way. Even if you think you wouldn't like something, try it. You've got nothing to lose.
3. Own your passion, even if it's something that won't garner you fame or tons of money.
I started out as a journalism major, wanting to be in print. That ended quite quickly, but if it was still my passion today, it's important that I own it despite the fact everyone else in society thinks print is dying.
If you love to do something, you should do it. I don't know about you, but I would much rather be living paycheck to paycheck, doing the job I love rather than resenting myself and my job just to make money.
4. Talk to people who have the career you want and do research.
A lot of us think we can't make careers out of our passions but oh, to the contrary. You just have to find the right person. You can even ask them if they'd be willing to be your mentor.
More often that not, people will be humbled that you look up to them. As a result, they'll give back by teaching you their ways.
5. If you're currently in a job you hate, then QUIT already.
You will grow and learn so much just from that single action. You'll continue to do so when you distance yourself from things and people you do not enjoy. Surround yourself with positivity and you'll find that your life will reflect that.
