YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Do you have a passion?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Do you have a passion? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:53:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Helena on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion/page/2#post-2162799 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 17:15:24 +0000 Helena 2162799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi everyone, sorry I haven't been responding but I'm so appreciative of everyone's wisdom and journeys - thank you. Bijou, I am going to do exactly what you suggest - really clearly define what the right job would look like for me - and I suspect it will have much more to do with how it impacts my family life than the content of the job itself. You also reminded me of another really good point - when times are normal and DH is travelling on the fly, out at evening events, etc., my role as holding down the fort is far more clear and obvious than it is when he's WFH ... but this is not a forever situation, so I have to bear that in mind.  Jules, I just watched it and thought of this discussion right away ... it was 1000% on point for what I am going through ... also a good cry never does any harm :) cjh, will read that article today! And Suz and Janet, I could definitely be a lifelong student too, if it paid! :D Thank you so much EVERYONE - read and valued every comment xoxo Bijou on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion/page/2#post-2162771 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 08:00:08 +0000 Bijou 2162771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ TG you have a great and useful skill set that could be put to use in many different roles. You are so good with people, I can see you in a HR role. Can you describe what a 'perfect' job for you would be?  - What hours do you want to work? - What skills do you want to use? - Do you want to work from home or get out of the house? - What salary are you looking for? I found my career goals changed immensely once I had my son. I was once told by a mentor that I could 'have it all, but just probably not all at the same time'. That has been very true for me, I have sought out roles that meet most of my needs. Six years ago I changed roles, earning half of what I had previously earned to upskill and build my CV. It was a move I am happy I made as it has revitalised my career and given me more career options. If your husband is very career focused then having you to deal with the daily household, child and pet management helps him out more than you could ever imagine.  Carla on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion/page/2#post-2162572 Mon, 28 Dec 2020 17:12:50 +0000 Carla 2162572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for the link cjh.   Jules on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion/page/2#post-2162563 Mon, 28 Dec 2020 16:24:26 +0000 Jules 2162563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The new Pixar movie ‘Soul’, available to stream on Disney+, has some themes relevant to this discussion. My 15 year old also declared it a ‘really good movie’, which is always a win. cjh on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion/page/2#post-2162359 Sat, 26 Dec 2020 17:24:48 +0000 cjh 2162359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A little sideways from the passion topic, but something I recently read on the subject of happiness.  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.brainpickings.org/2017/10/11/a-life-of-ones-own-joanna-field-marion-milner/?mc_cid=3c9ee7f5ce&mc_eid=64eeffad34">https://www.brainpickings.org/.....64eeffad34</a> Perhaps the questions we have about our passions might be attempting to find what it is that makes us happy. The writer described and quoted in this article has some wise insight. Janet on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion/page/2#post-2162321 Sat, 26 Dec 2020 14:04:25 +0000 Janet 2162321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz and Rachy’s remarks about the gap that may exist between the job and the passion are so true. When I first gave up my career as a publications designer, to pursue photography, the assumption was that I would make money by doing some assignment work. I did some, and I’m ok at it, but it was most definitely not the type of photography I loved doing. That kind of photography turned my passion into just another way to generate income by using my talents but not really with the creative outlet I craved. Also, I love music and enjoyed working part time as a radio DJ for the better part of three decades. But I never made the shift to that as a full-time career because it’s not my passion — the hours are weird, it’s low-paying (unless you make it to the big markets), etc. The reality of the job was not enough to make me want to jump all the way in. I actually decided that same thing about pursuing law school and a career in law many years ago too. I always loved the idea of studying law and getting that degree, but after talking to some people i knew who had the degrees but didn’t practice, I realized the reality of that career was not for me. There are so many paths, and I agree 1000% with all of Suz’s remarks. I love learning, too, and I would be a perennial student if it were feasible. Staysfit on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion/page/2#post-2162311 Sat, 26 Dec 2020 13:38:35 +0000 Staysfit 2162311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is an interesting topic, and something I have thought about at various points in my life, particularly when facing some sort of decision as to how to focus my time.  In my mind having a skill or facility with something is very different than counting that ability as a passion. For example, I am an excellent swimmer. However swimming is not my passion.  However, I have found things related to swimming that I felt passionate about.  I enjoyed teaching and coaching.  I enjoyed the friends I made as a lifeguard.  I enjoyed the members of my swim team.  I liked competition and working hard to become better at something.  I enjoyed a challenge. I like being physically fit. <div> </div><div>While there are many times I have faced difficult choices, one that involved careful evaluation of my passions took place in 2009.  At that time I had a small private practice, I taught at our local medical school, I worked about half time as a medical director for a large multi specialty community mental health clinic, and I had a school consultation position. At that juncture, I was offered a position doing additional school consultation.  Taking it meant giving up one or more of the other positions.  I made a career decision based on what I felt were my passions:  1. Solving challenging problems/dealing with difficult situations 2. Working with a multidisciplinary team. 3. Helping people 4. Interacting with youth 5. Teaching.  My choice, was to close my private office and to give up my position as a medical director so I could pursue school consultation and teaching.  It seemed risky and even crazy at the time.  I gave up control, stability and certainty for something uncertain and untraditional in my profession.  The decision meant setting aside my well honed administrative and organizational skills. I made a distinction between my skills and my passions, and I had to think about which of my skills would best promote the pursuit of my passions.  Eleven years later, I can say that it was the smartest decision of my life.  I have a career I love and my work is definitely included among my passions.</div><div> </div><div>I have other passions as well.  My children are adults now, but raising them to become thriving, emotionally and socially capable adults was a major passion.  Family and friends are my passion.  Reading is a passion.  I love word puzzles and playing strategy games.  I enjoy some creative activities such as knitting and making quilts.  I like to draw and write. I enjoy color and art. I love music.  I love to hike, and doing things outdoors.  I love staying fit and challenging myself with making nutritious menus, and advancing my skills with Pilates, yoga, weight lifting, running and water sports.  I enjoy learning and doing new things. I want to add that I am not good at writing or drawing, but I still pursue them with passion.   </div> Ledonna N. on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion/page/2#post-2162109 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 10:13:23 +0000 Ledonna N. 2162109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Passion. I’m a Taurus my passion is food dancing and writing and traveling Anything that makes my heart explode Basically my career funds my lifestyle and I’m okay with that. I’m good at my job at it has kept clothes on my back and food on our table. Suz on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion/page/2#post-2162085 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 05:29:43 +0000 Suz 2162085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am awfully late to this but it's been such an interesting discussion. I hope the varied responses have helped to clarify things for you, Helena -- you have so many gifts and talents, as Angie pointed out. I'm sure you will find the path. It's just especially difficult in this time. Or maybe not. Your daughter's school situation seems like a big sign from the universe that you are currently most needed precisely where you most want to be.  Like Janet, the activities and pursuits that absorb me most deeply have been consistent throughout my life. Reading, writing (as soon as I could), making art (not that I do that any more), walking, biking, skating, cooking. On a more cerebral level, I've always been interested in and deeply curious about human psychology, some aspects of science (esp. biology), urban ecologies and urban planning, architecture, politics, ethics, questions of social justice.  In fact, if I have a passion, it is probably for learning. That's what the skills finder test tells me, anyway. I love love love love love to learn.  That said, I tend to agree with Rachylou that "passion" is overrated, and I almost feel the word has become a kind of cudgel. I mean, how many people, realistically, get to  "follow their passion" to a meaningful and moneymaking career? Or even one of the above?  The idea that we should do so, or that if we chase our passion, our lives will magically become perfect, is one of those pernicious neo-capitalist myths whose effect is to make us feel bad about ourselves and "less than" all the apparently perfect SM influencers.  Anyway. I'm a writer but I do not make money from it. My most recent royalty statement was, I kid you not,  $10.57.  I do make a living, sort of, from the cognate fields of part-time teaching of writing and contract editing, manuscript consultations, etc. And scholarship.  And even though I would not say I am passionate about it, that work, too, is meaningful to me. As Cardiff Girl's said of herself, I've learned through experience that my work must feel meaningful to me or I won't be happy. I need to feel I'm contributing to others . In fact, I left my better paying full time job at the fitness company partly for that reason; the work didn't align closely enough with my values.  Anyway, this is all about me, not you, but what I think I'm saying is: Try not to beat yourself up if you don't feel you have a passion. You are doing meaningful work right now with your kids. In a year or two, things may change. In the meantime, you might study something that interests you or volunteer for an organization that aligns with your values. And go from there.  I also really like Rachy's point that it's important to know if you can stand the real conditions of a line of work. Interests are one thing -- the job itself might be different. But sometimes we can't guess that in advance -- we only find out by doing.  Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion/page/2#post-2161388 Mon, 21 Dec 2020 16:48:53 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 2161388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've had lots of passions - there are some consistent themes throughout what I've been interested in, and what I've gotten paid for, like language, new ideas, improving processes, etc., but I'm the kind of person who is interested in all kinds of things and tends to have an interest for a few years until it fades to the background in favor of something else for a while. I have this maybe weird or cynical idea at this point in my life that young people and career changers should start with the most practical items that they want in a job: what do you have to wear? what are the hours? what kind of people will you be dealing with all day? how much further training/school would you need if any, and how practical is that given your life? what kind of risks are you able to take in order to try this path? And slowly work your way back from concrete to more abstract, rather than starting with something like what are you passionate about. kkards on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion/page/2#post-2161084 Sat, 19 Dec 2020 20:00:32 +0000 kkards 2161084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Passion is over rated...l majored in poly sci because politics was my passion, only to find out that how the system actually works, and working in government killed my passion...and i think there are many many people who say the same thing. and here’s the thing, i took a stop gap job in retail, only to find out that i am passionate about growing a business, I’m passionate about figuring out how to make the most of a situation, how to chase into what the customer wants and how to figure out how to get out what they don’t. I’m passionate about training and developing others to do the same.....what i sell I’m not passionate about at all TG i guess this is a long way of saying, it sounds like what you are passionate about is getting and keeping organized...this alone is an excellent foundation. I know that in my company we have some entry level jobs that are less that 40 hours a week that really only require that the person who does them be organized and willing to learn. Some people use these jobs to learn about other jobs in the company and move on, and for some they are happy doing that job. You might want to look around for a job like these in a company that you feel is worthy of working for. Then you can decide what you want to do.  Echo on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion/page/2#post-2161006 Sat, 19 Dec 2020 03:41:12 +0000 Echo 2161006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've always been passionate about language, and I went to school in journalism. But I was a SAHM, too, and when I was able to return to work, I needed to have a schedule that worked with my children's, so I started subbing at school. I returned to school to get certified to teach ELA and became a reading teacher. Right now I am working with younger grade levels so I can work in my children's district, but I very much prefer older kids and will likely move on when my last child graduates. It isn't a "passion" - almost no student is into Latin roots, etymology, and parts of speech - and I could spend all day, every day, with my nose buried in books in a musty old library. But I do enjoy it. elpgal on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion/page/2#post-2160834 Fri, 18 Dec 2020 04:05:30 +0000 elpgal 2160834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am a scientist by day but after a long bout of career angst, I found I am currently passionate about restoration efforts with native plants. I can spend hours doing the actual work and and an equal amount of time learning about it. If only I had a way to monetize this! Angie on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion#post-2160750 Thu, 17 Dec 2020 19:25:15 +0000 Angie 2160750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Helena, it sounds like you are a very competent Jill of all trades. Lucky you! :) With humility, thoroughness, organization, eloquence, precision and compassion at the forefront of your many strengths - I'm sure any non-profit would be very happy to employ you.....when things normalize. You have to pick one that interests you. Intern for them first, maybe?  What Suntiger, Sal and Shevia wrote makes so much level-headed sense. I suspect you REALLY want the flexible work schedule, so that is a priority. It will come. Hang in there.  My passions have been consistent throughout my life: art, creativity, dogs, horses, fashion, style, retail, psychology, food, cooking, nutrition, music, travel, organizing, operating, decorating, (and martial arts). Yoga and politics are something that I've become passionate about over the last decade.  I wish you luck and hope you find what you are looking for. xo Helena on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion#post-2160664 Thu, 17 Dec 2020 14:13:52 +0000 Helena 2160664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, thanks so much everyone; I want to reply to everyone but please forgive me if I miss something; there is so much here! CG - thanks so much and this is really helpful. I really do value having my own income, however small, but there is a cost benefit to consider - for example, if I took a job that took me away in the evenings, and then DH has no time to relax after his stressful job and I'm not around when the kids might possibly talk, is that a good price to pay so that I can buy a pair of boots with less guilt? I appreciate you sharing your story, and agree - hobbies are a wonderful outlet.   Joy, I do the school run with my son and our friends sons (my son in cohorted with one of the boys at school, and we all mask in the car) ... I learn SO much by just shutting my mouth and listening, it's quite amazing how deep teen boys actually go sometimes when they talk! And amazing on your teaching and Sunday school work. xx Sal, those are VERY good points, and I totally agree. I am quite happy to just do anything really that fits into the hours, as I'd have to earn a lot to make it worth uprooting everything else, and that would actually incur costs that would negate the gain! I agree on volunteer work and that's something that I've generally been active with and then stopped when my Mom was in her last months ... so I need to start again, but again now is not the time; most places don't want new bodies in their space anyway at the moment. Jaime, thank you and yes, you're right - in a funny way, in the teen years it really has to be the parent/trusted adult; whereas it's easier to find someone who can change a diaper it's harder to find someone who can navigate talking about some of the crazy social issues going on right now. Of course this is not to say working moms aren't amazing at supporting their kids! But there is definitely a benefit to being around for when they decide they want to talk, which of course could be any time of the day or night with teens! Suntiger, love that idea ... what next is a much better question than just what ... and takes a lot of pressure off. cjh, resonated so much with what you said ... I agree that whatever job I've done, I've always brought the same value to the table, which is the ability to systematize and organize things. In fact, I got hired in my last full-time role and my VA roles specifically because I would always go the extra step in my previous jobs to create personal processes and document how to get the job done, which my employers then knew they could role out to teams and/or have as part of their business assets. Exhibit A (photo) - the process binder I created for homemaking lol! Also so encouraging to hear that you were able to find some meaningful work, even after your long hiatus at home. And Sarah, this is one of those things that I love the idea of ... but I've come to accept I'm just not entrepreneur material ... I'm an excellent soldier, but not a general, so to speak! Aside - DDs school is reporting its first Covid cases as of yesterday and reported numbers (though small) increased 7-fold from yesterday to today, and I could not be more thankful that she will pick up her stuff this morning and then come home, and can stay home indefinitely ... an absolute gift that I wish every family had the option for. So I am, until this pandemic is under control, going to make priority 1 being damn grateful for our circumstances ... but write down some ideas for how to move forward when sunnier days arrive.  Thank you thank you everyone so much xoxoxo Cardiff girl on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion#post-2160648 Thu, 17 Dec 2020 11:53:30 +0000 Cardiff girl 2160648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I did this response some time ago but for some reason it wouldn’t load so l will try again! Thishas been a very interesting read.l am not sure if what I say will add anything to the mix as it’s just my own experience but for what it’s worth. l spent my working life as a physiotherapist until l had my daughter then ,like you, l became a full time mum.During that time I did various voluntary things in the community until recently I felt I should get back into the job market.Physio is no longer an option due to back and joint problems so I went into fashion retail.Until l did this I never realised how important to me a job that l felt l contributed something in was..l thought a nice little part time job in fashion which I am interested in would be lovely but I found it deeply unsatisfactory on a number of levels and left.l would not have known this about myself until l had done this job. l have many “passions” but I am realistic enough to know that at this stage in my life l am very unlikely to ever make a career from them so I enjoy them as hobbies.People who have careers in things that they are passionate about are few and far between,most if us,if we are lucky,have jobs that are ok with good conditions and that we don’t hate.l was never 100%about being a physio but Knew that I wanted to contribute towards other people’s well being and so it for filled that need in me.It did not satisfy my creative,musical or horticultural passions one little bit but that is what l do for hobbies. Most of life is a compromise between what we would like to do and what is realistic.l think that sticking with your core values is probably more important than your passions in a job. Being a mum and raising well balanced children who are future citizens is the most important job in the world so Well done you! rachylou on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion#post-2160619 Thu, 17 Dec 2020 06:48:21 +0000 rachylou 2160619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ More agreement here re jr high and high school age kids needing available parents... Anonymous on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion#post-2160617 Thu, 17 Dec 2020 06:30:46 +0000 Anonymous 2160617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ About children and work, having seen it at all ages, I have come to think that children really need you around most in jet high and high school than when they are younger. Their problems are more tough, from bullying to how to ask someone to prom. Pick them up from school in the car if possible. That’s when you will hear the most about their day ( at least with boys). Sal on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion#post-2160588 Thu, 17 Dec 2020 03:31:03 +0000 Sal 2160588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For me there are a few consistent things I always like and feel passionate about <ul> <li>community </li> <li>friends and family</li> <li>food and entertaining</li> <li>outdoor activity</li> <li>politics</li> </ul> There are other things that come and go a little bit in my life - fashion, home decor/gardening, even travel (sometimes it is top priority but not always)... and even reading (sometimes I am an avid reader, sometimes I don't read much at all).   With respect to work, I studied Business at University and have always worked in business related roles, either for commercial or not for profit organisations.  Currently I work in this role for our own business which I am passionate about in one sense, but I am not an engineer nor a huge aircraft person despite this being our business!! I find having a voluntary position is good for my sense of worth - and I have done a variety or roles from  Mainly Music Leader (goodness knows how) to School Boards and being on a committee for a Large Sporting event for children.  I have just taken on the role as Board Chair for our region for Athletics.  I will be honest and say I like being Board Chair as it allows me a chance to network with other leaders in the community. When I read through the article about work I felt very conflicted as I am a combination of all of them.  And that is my biggest asset and my biggest weakness. My husband is very driven in his career and in our business.  I am not as driven as him despite having higher school and university grades.  He is just more single minded. Helena - it is a really hard time when you have children and want to work - and have multiple things going on with extended family.  I always tell myself there are three things in a job and it is hard/impossible to get all three, but you can get two - one is okay but not quite enough. <ul> <li>Excellent money</li> <li>Interesting work and projects</li> <li>Flexible hours/not all encompassing.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>I know people who earn excellent money and who love their work.  Usually it is a full on role with long hours.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>I also know people who earn excellent money and work flexible hours.  Usually it is not interesting but they compromise on that for the other factors.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>And I know people who love their job, and have flexible hours.  Usually they are not well paid.</li> </ul> I hope that helps.... Jaime on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion#post-2160586 Thu, 17 Dec 2020 03:19:55 +0000 Jaime 2160586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, Helena, this really resonates. I have been through quite a few different career phases, none of which exactly stuck and right now am mostly focusing on reselling clothes. The problem is my passion is for the hunt, and less for the interaction. But I am working on it. Anyway, the main thing I want to say is that I agree completely about teens. I have an 18 and two (almost) 16 year old kids at home, and while they are very independent in some ways, I feel I am supporting them more now than when they were little. Or perhaps I feel like my support is more personal, rather than functional?  Also being organized and humble are excellent qualities, of which the world could use more. Anonymous on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion#post-2160570 Thu, 17 Dec 2020 02:15:06 +0000 Anonymous 2160570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks cjh Just because a path isn't obviously linear (entry level, assistant manager...all the way up to CEO) doesn't mean it's not intentional! cjh on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion#post-2160562 Thu, 17 Dec 2020 01:48:40 +0000 cjh 2160562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suntiger, that is a very good way to look at things! And well articulated. Anonymous on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion#post-2160560 Thu, 17 Dec 2020 01:44:08 +0000 Anonymous 2160560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have many- and each year I add more Mostly related to creativity, fitness, and the outdoors. I'm definitely job oriented, not career oriented- as I can see myself doing dozens of types of work. Or none for pay- if I could afford it :) The way I approach it all, since I want to do all the things, is what do I want to do next? Next isn't a permanent choice, it's just "what is the best option now?" All different types of experiences are valuable-and each one opens up more "nexts". Anonymous on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion#post-2160544 Thu, 17 Dec 2020 00:58:50 +0000 Anonymous 2160544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I suppose my passion is teaching. I knew early that I needed something that was not repetitive like an assembly line. I can’t even stuff envelopes the same way For more than a minute. I found teaching was always different and never a dull moment. If you needed a challenge you are surrounded by them. Plus seeing children grow in what they can do is very satisfying. Teaching religion to small children has been the most satisfying of all. Helena on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion#post-2160537 Thu, 17 Dec 2020 00:46:24 +0000 Helena 2160537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Cjh extremely relevant ... On my phone so will respond better later but just thanking everyone again for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences xoxo cjh on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion#post-2160510 Wed, 16 Dec 2020 23:40:30 +0000 cjh 2160510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Torontogirl, this is a great topic and you’ve raised some excellent questions. Thanks to everyone who has put in her two cents. Though I’m retired, I still have thoughts and feelings about how to spend my time and what levels of efforts should be put into and what rewards could be reaped from various activities. So perhaps your questions about passions can apply to much more than just what one is doing in the workforce. <div>I would say my passions lie very close to the ones mentioned by Janet, and always did. My college major was a self-designed mash up of history, foreign language, poli-sci, econ, literature, art, and a little theater. I couldn’t really decide what was most intriguing. Before kids, I worked as a paralegal. DH and I committed to me being a SAHM until our older daughter turned 16. I was a 4-H leader, and an active church and community volunteer. </div><div> </div><div>Then I worked part time for my church as a youth ministry assistant and newsletter writer, and then as clerk in an election commission. Those jobs allowed me to pay eight years worth of state university tuition for my daughters. Then I became assistant director of the election commission for the last 7 years of working. All the time I worked, my passions were to do a complete, quality job, learn a lot, be efficient, think of creative solutions to problems, teach others and lead by participation, work with a big picture viewpoint, plan ahead, make systems, document for the future, infuse fun and camaraderie into the workplace, be available, be transparent, and especially work with integrity. I am proud to remember many times when I acted professionally and creatively to lead and solve issues.  </div><div> </div><div>What I’m trying to get at, though, is I don’t think it would’ve mattered if I was a retail manager, an IT analyst, a medical provider, or a teacher etc. What mattered to me was more HOW I did my job, not so much what I did. Though I feel the election commission was a great fit for me, and it was a very interesting yet challenging job, I probably could’ve had the same experience in most places. And in conclusion, (finally, huh?) this is maybe what is meant by the passion part. If your passion is music, for example, somehow you find it, either in your job, or elsewhere in your life. It might be later in your life, as art has now become something I do have more time for. But really, the passion might come out in a job you never expected, because it is about personality or the way you approach life. And sometimes that passion can develop when you find yourself in a new, good place.  </div><div> </div><div>Well, I’ve reread and rewritten parts of this a few times. So I’ll submit. Hopefully it’s not too nonsensical or irrelevant. </div> SarahD8 on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion#post-2160493 Wed, 16 Dec 2020 22:18:03 +0000 SarahD8 2160493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ha, I felt the same way as rachylou about science so instead of becoming a scientist I became a science journalist. And, wow, rachy is not wrong about remuneration for writing these days. It is absolutely a vocation/calling for me though. (My husband is one of those who does not feel passionate about his work and that causes him some angst from time to time...but then again he makes almost 3 times what I do, so--) Anyway. If you have experience as a virtual assistant and love doing the SAHM thing...what about doing virtual assistant type work for SAHMs? Helping set up systems, getting them organized, etc. Surely some of them have cupboards that need cleaned out? (This suggestion brought to you by me slightly toying with the idea that it might be cool to have a side hustle as a decluttering/organizing consultant, which is probably a crazy idea, which is why I'm now foisting it upon you, sorry!) Anonymous on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion#post-2160487 Wed, 16 Dec 2020 21:41:15 +0000 Anonymous 2160487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve corrected my typos . Sorry . Should really double check before hitting the submit button . Helena on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion#post-2160484 Wed, 16 Dec 2020 21:21:03 +0000 Helena 2160484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, thank you so much ... I guess I do have some 'obsessions' in that sense ... religion/spirituality (my degree and 99% of what I read), self-development, personal style, personality systems, organizing things and information (which is why I was a good VA) which I never thought of as passions (maybe because in all the books your passion is supposed to be something with an obvious monetization path ... which if that was the case, why would I need the bloody book?!?) ... maybe I need to think outside of the box a little more, hmm ....  I also like that at 46 I don't need to have it figured out ... when my daughter is done high school, I'll be around 52 I guess? And will have so much more time flexibility for part-time, evening stuff ... and you are so right, the ability to be with the kids as teens, when it seems like they don't need you at all but actually in some ways need you the most, is something I wouldn't trade for anything.  Not that I'm giving up on finding something until then, but it does take the pressure off, after all mid-pandemic is not a great time for a career pivot is it ... ?!? Anonymous on "Do you have a passion?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-have-a-passion#post-2160482 Wed, 16 Dec 2020 20:57:47 +0000 Anonymous 2160482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting discussion . When I was your age - I'm guessing at your age - I went through a lot of career angst. It really carried on until the last year or so when I finally gave myself permission to retire from something I ended up in by accident and didn't really love. Anyways . I used to believe that you needed to be passionate about your job and you needed to get on a job path that let you share your passions with the world. Not so. I am passionate about several things that I have managed to work into my career(s) , but others not so much. 1. Sports and fitness : I am obsessed with both and like to think I know a fair bit about both. I tried for a few years to find a line of sporting goods I could rep for (golf, mostly) but it never happened. Now though, my part-time job, which I love, has me smack dab in the middle of the medical fitness industry. I may not be the fittest woman going, but I sure know what I'm talking about and who knew - but it turns out I quite love helping people! 2. fashion and interiors - I have a graduate degree in the fashion end of things , and worked in it for years and years. It's come in and out of my work life but my obsessions with design, colour, merchandising, styling, creating, and the business end of it all etcetc have served me well. I may not be the most creative fashion-wise, nor do I have some wonderful ability to wear the right things all of the time either - but I'm still obsessed. I am an obsessive reader , and worked in publishing sales for almost 18 years. I was good at it, but I wasn't an English major and wasn't impressed by those in the ivory towers of publishing. I was in it for the business of it. I would NEVER presume to write a book. I love makeup , and love reading, buying, trying , learning etc, and was approached a few times about work in that industry, but have ZERO interest in it. Where am I going with all of this? Well, my decades long job in sales allowed me to work from home, be present for my daughter, attend every single game she ever played, go to dentist appts etc , and run my OWN life on my own time. I may have sacrificed a LOT for that (a higher corporate income, financial stability etc) but I would not trade it for the world. I'm really happy now in my job, and feel like I'm finally where I was meant to be. And I'm 59 - hahahahahah.