Our first career counseling perspective was based on a concept of “What would you do if money were no object?” This concept is centered on following your passion, not your need for financial security.
Another more pragmatic perspective is to forget that passion following idea. Your passion can become a hobby or pastime while on vacation. The real need is to find ways of earning a living. “This is the real world…not fantasy land!”
Review the following excerpt from an article written by Marty Nemko posted on AOL Jobs On June 20th 2013:
Why Doing What You Love Isn't A Career Plan…
Sure, plenty of people make a living following their passion but too often, people did what they loved and poverty followed. I recall one of my first clients -- it must have been 1986 -- who was a truly devoted environmentalist. She was bright, dedicated, always trying to be on environmentalism's cutting edge: She protested against lead in paints. She built straw-bale houses. She even wrote a book. Fast-forward to 2013. She's stayed in touch with me and she's now 60-something and broke, living in welfare housing. And she's wondering, "What was all that about 'Do what you love and the money will follow?"
The problem is that people's passions tend to be in just a few areas: the arts, entertainment, the media, sports, helping the poor and the environment. Raise your hand if you have a strong interest in one of those: the arts, entertainment, the media, sports, helping the poor, or the environment.
The Hard Stats: The Princeton Review reported a while back that of the more than 22 million artists in North America who called themselves professional artists, only 0.5 percent earned more than $50,000 from their art. Less than 8 percent earned even $1,000, not even enough to pay for their meals of ramen and tuna fish, let alone their rent, let alone their student loans.
Rather than pursuing your passion as your career, as likely a path to career contentment is to find a less-crowded career so it's easier to find a job with work that's interesting, ethical, with a decent boss, a reasonable commute, reasonable work hours, and reasonable pay.To review this entire article go to:
As a teacher or counselor, what are your thoughts regarding these two career decision making concepts (Follow Your Passion; or Seek a Secure Career )? Which do you present to your students/clients?... Or is your approach entirely different?
If you're a student or career seeker, which approach appeals to you?
