March 11th 2010
From The Career Doctor Blog. Posted under Salary & Unsyndicated
Terry writes:
I would like to ask you a question that will decide my future career.
Should I pick a career based on my passion or on salary? By the way, I’m a high
school senior and am preparing for college. If you be so kind, please write me back
soon as possible.
The Career Doctor responds: Hmm. Passion or salary? Well, I am an idealist, so I say why not both? Of course, if I had to choose one, I would ALWAYS say follow your passion. Sometimes I think people think that following their passion excludes them from making money. However, the opposite rarely happens — chasing down the higher salary rarely results in finding a career passion. The great news for you is that you have years to find your passion. And years to make and execute a plan where you’ll make money living your passion. But let’s look at the flip side. Even if you don’t find a way to make a lot of money with your passion, you will still have the satisfaction and joy that you derive from the job. However, if you make a lot of money but are bored or dislike your job, you will feel a growing sense of being empty and unsatisfied. How can you find your passion? With a lot of self-assessment. Sure, you can take some assessment tests, but you should also look at your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the activities you most enjoy accomplishing. At your age, you should also spend a lot of time researching careers, talking to people about their jobs, and doing what you can to help narrow your choices. Just remember to take your time. The real goal of college is a solid education — and any major will give you that. Focus on obtaining the degree. Do that while also gaining some experience along the way, and doors will open up for you by the time you graduate. For more help in choosing a career path, consider reading this article published on Quintessential Careers: Ten Tips for Creating a Career That Lights Your Fire. And for help in choosing a major, read: Choosing a College Major: How to Chart Your Ideal Path.
The Career Doctor responds: Hmm. Passion or salary? Well, I am an idealist, so I say why not both? Of course, if I had to choose one, I would ALWAYS say follow your passion. Sometimes I think people think that following their passion excludes them from making money. However, the opposite rarely happens — chasing down the higher salary rarely results in finding a career passion. The great news for you is that you have years to find your passion. And years to make and execute a plan where you’ll make money living your passion. But let’s look at the flip side. Even if you don’t find a way to make a lot of money with your passion, you will still have the satisfaction and joy that you derive from the job. However, if you make a lot of money but are bored or dislike your job, you will feel a growing sense of being empty and unsatisfied. How can you find your passion? With a lot of self-assessment. Sure, you can take some assessment tests, but you should also look at your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the activities you most enjoy accomplishing. At your age, you should also spend a lot of time researching careers, talking to people about their jobs, and doing what you can to help narrow your choices. Just remember to take your time. The real goal of college is a solid education — and any major will give you that. Focus on obtaining the degree. Do that while also gaining some experience along the way, and doors will open up for you by the time you graduate. For more help in choosing a career path, consider reading this article published on Quintessential Careers: Ten Tips for Creating a Career That Lights Your Fire. And for help in choosing a major, read: Choosing a College Major: How to Chart Your Ideal Path.
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