A wise teacher once gave my kids a piece of advice that stuck with me. It wasn’t the usual “follow your passion” speech we hear all the time. Instead, she said:
“Don’t chase what you love for your career. Chase what will make you money—so you can afford to do what you love.”
At first, it sounded harsh. But her reasoning? Pretty genius.
Her Story: Passion Meets Practicality
This teacher loves the mountains. Skiing, snowboarding, being surrounded by snow—those are her happy places. When she was younger, she seriously considered moving to a mountain town, opening a ski shop, or teaching snowboarding for a living.
Sounds dreamy, right?
But she realized something important: those jobs are highly seasonal, unpredictable, and don’t always provide a stable income. So instead, she became a teacher in a town close to the mountains. Now, she has weekends and breaks off—time to enjoy the slopes without the financial stress.
What This Means for You
If you’re in high school or just starting out in college, you might feel pressure to pick a major or career path based solely on what you love. And sure, doing something you enjoy makes work feel less like… well, work. But if that passion doesn’t pay the bills or help you build a future, it can lead to long-term frustration.
Here’s the truth:
You don’t have to work in your passion. You just need to earn enough to fund your passion.
Want to travel the world? That’s awesome.
Love making music? Do it.
Obsessed with rock climbing, anime conventions, fashion design, or rescuing animals? Go all in.
But first, choose a career that provides financial stability. That income will give you the freedom to do those things without worrying about bills or living paycheck to paycheck.
The Financial Reality: You Need Income That Lets You…
At HelpYourFinances.com, we often talk about the 3 essential things your income should help you do:
- Spend – Cover your daily expenses and enjoy life.
- Save – Build your emergency fund, invest for the future, and prepare for retirement.
- Give – Support causes, help family, or give back to your community.
If your passion-based job only covers #1—and barely—it’s going to be tough in the long run.
Final Thoughts: Passion Is the Dessert, Not the Main Course
There’s nothing wrong with loving your job. That’s the dream. But early in life, focus on building a career that supports your lifestyle, goals, and future. Make money work for you, so you can do what you love without sacrificing security.
Remember:
The goal isn’t to choose between money or passion.
The goal is to be smart with your money—so you can enjoy your passion without pressure.
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