Following your passion at work serves as a strong motivation to perform at your best while exploring career opportunities that enhance your skills over time. But does passion alone truly help you thrive in your day-to-day life?
You’ve probably been asked by family members, relatives, or friends about your work. Some of their questions might make you reflect on your career path. If following your passion makes you happy, does it provide enough financial stability? If you set it aside for a more practical choice, would you still be fulfilled?
Familiar questions like “What are your plans in life?” or “Why don’t you have a job yet?” may sound discouraging. Even if you are proud of your career choice, others may suggest that you pursue something they perceive as more rewarding.
You may feel torn at some point: Should you pursue your passion or choose a more conventional, stable career? This article will explore key factors that Filipinos consider when determining whether following their love will lead to a better future.
The Filipino Resilience
A survey conducted by global professional services firm Aon in August 2024 revealed that out of 263 Filipino respondents, 168 planned to leave their current jobs or continue in the next 12 hours. Despite this, Filipino workers are known for their resilience and dedication to providing exceptional service to their employers.
Filipinos are recognized for giving their 100% at work and showing up despite challenges. According to the International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, Filipinos are survivors of various adversities, demonstrating persistence and adaptability in challenging situations.
Furthermore, Filipinos are strong in their ability to patiently wait for opportunities while remaining committed to growth. Their resilience and flexibility allow them to navigate the ever-changing work landscape, turning survival into an art form.
The Two Models of Passion
Passion fuels excitement and engagement in work. When you are passionate about your job, you find meaning and purpose, allowing you to push through challenges and improve over time. In many cases, careers that align with passion attract jobs with high pay.
Passion can be classified into two types under the dualistic model of passion: harmonious passion and obsessive passion. Let’s explore their differences.
Harmonious Passion – Immersed in Authentic Self
Individuals with harmonious passion engage in their work with a sense of free will. They willingly invest their time and effort, driven by genuine interest and self-improvement.
Over time, they develop their skills and adapt to challenges by exploring different approaches to align their work with their passion. This type of passion promotes a balanced and fulfilling career and choices.
Adaptive consequences of harmonious passion:
- Enhanced psychological well-being
- Greater job satisfaction
- Increased work engagement
- High performance
Obsessive Passion – When Passion Overpowers the Person
Likewise, obsessive passion occurs when individuals become excessively fixated on their passion, often at the expense of self-control and well-being. This overpowering drive can lead to emotional distress, including feelings of guilt, shame, and burnout.
Additionally, instead of bringing fulfillment, obsessive passion can create conflicts that negatively impact both personal and professional lives.
Maladaptive consequences of obsessive passion include:
- Psychological distress
- Burnout
- Cynicism
- Intrapersonal conflict
Top Benefits of Following Your Passion in Your Career
Pursuing a career aligned with your passion provides a unique level of motivation. Who wouldn’t want to work with a sense of purpose? While career advice varies from person to person, the key lies in how you navigate your career and maximize its benefits.
Here are some advantages of following your passion:
- Better Career Growth: Passionate individuals are more likely to take initiatives that lead to promotions and long-term career success.
- Increased Work Motivation: When you love what you do, motivation comes naturally.
- Improved Performance: Passion fuels commitment, leading to higher-quality output and productivity.
- Developed Soft and Technical Skills: Passion-driven careers encourage continuous learning and skill enhancement.
- Resilience in Challenges: Passionate workers push through difficulties with determination.
- Positive Work Environment and Personal Impact: Passionate employees contribute to a more engaging and inspiring workplace.
Live with Passion
Aligning your passion with your career is a personal journey. It is essential to find a balance between doing what you love and ensuring financial stability. If you can harmonize passion and practicality, you can achieve both career fulfillment and success.To help you succeed in following your passion, platforms like Bossjob offer valuable job search advice and opportunities to explore roles that match both passion and potential earnings. Take charge of your career and make informed choices that align with your personal and professional goals.
