Choose a Job You Love: Turning Passion into Profession

Do You Love Your Job?

Choosing a career that aligns with your passions and interests is important for both: your mental and emotional well-being. When you love what you do, work crosses the boundaries of obligation, transforming into a source of joy and fulfilment. When you are loving what you do or doing what you love, it never feels like an obligation, a duty. It flows very smoothly. I am into people management and I never feel tired even after working for a straight 10-12 straight a day sometimes. The only reason behind it is I never felt that somebody is making me do my work. Behind my job, I am the brain, I am the heart. I also have managers above me but they never made me dependent on their advices or orders. I am free to make all necessary decisions, manage my people my way and work in my own space.

Working in my own space and with my own pace makes me liberal. Makes me happy and makes me think only about how to create a better life for my people, give them more opportunities, develop them in a better way and set a culture of productivity and positivity.

You might have across several research papers that have been done to find out about job satisfaction. I was going through a study by the University of Warwick which shows that the employees who are happy in their jobs are 12% more productive than those who are dissatisfied. This boost in productivity stems from the positive emotions and motivation that come from engaging in work that resonates with one's passions. Furthermore, the Gallup State of the Global Workplace report reveals that individuals who are engaged and satisfied with their jobs experience lower levels of stress, higher levels of well-being, and improved overall health.

By choosing a job you love, you can reduce the feeling of work being a mundane chore. Instead, it becomes a rewarding journey that nourishes your and drives your ambition. Make sure that what you are currently doing is in alignment to your long-term goals. The emotional and mental benefits of such alignment are immense, building increased job satisfaction, heightened productivity, and overall happiness. Consequently, the decision to follow one's passion in their professional life is not merely a pursuit of happiness but a strategic move towards a more fulfilling and prosperous career.

The Pitfalls of Being Stuck in an Unfulfilling Job and Coming Out of it

Finding yourself in an unfulfilling job can lead to a myriad of negative consequences, both professionally and personally. People get frustrated, remain irritated and sometimes even have dreadful thoughts going on in their minds; something like, why was I even born! This frustration often stems from a misalignment between personal interests and professional responsibilities, leading to a lack of engagement and enthusiasm. Over time, this can manifest as burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, and a feeling of detachment from work.

I recently have recently started my research work on burnout and emotional exhaustion in Clinical Research Associates (CRAs). Although I have just reached my interim analysis, I have found that a significant number of people who are frustrated in their jobs, are somehow managing toxic bosses or organizations, are overloaded with work and have a bad work life balance are finding themselves emotionally exhausted and are psychologically unwell.

Another significant consequence of being in a job that doesn't resonate with you is the lack of motivation. When daily tasks do not inspire or challenge, it becomes increasingly difficult to find the drive to perform well. This lack of motivation not only affects job performance but can also erode self-esteem and personal satisfaction. The monotony and dissatisfaction can seep into one's personal life, causing stress and anxiety, which in turn can strain relationships and overall well-being.

The long-term impacts on mental health cannot be overstated. Chronic stress and anxiety from an unfulfilling job can lead to serious health issues, including depression and other stress-related disorders. The emotional toll of feeling trapped in a job can diminish one's quality of life, leading to a cycle of negativity that is hard to break.

Several factors contribute to why people often feel compelled to remain in jobs they dislike. Financial pressure is a primary concern; the need to meet financial obligations can make leaving a stable job seem unfeasible. Societal expectations also play a role, with cultural norms often dictating certain career paths and success metrics. Additionally, a lack of career guidance means many individuals may not fully explore or understand their true vocational interests and strengths, leading them to settle for less fulfilling roles. Sometimes, not being able to find a better job or stability or lack of competency also make people stuck at one place.

For those unable to change careers immediately, coping strategies can help mitigate the negative impacts of an unfulfilling job. Acceptance is crucial; acknowledging the current situation without resignation can cultivate a proactive mindset. Finding ways to make the best of the situation—such as seeking new responsibilities, pursuing professional development opportunities, or engaging in meaningful activities outside of work—can also provide a sense of purpose and balance. While it may not be feasible to change jobs right away many a times but giving time to self analysis and thinking about alternative approaches or finding a meaning in the current job also helps sometimes. Give yourself some space, a little pause is not bad off course. Once you are in your space and deeply think about your situation, you will always find a way out of it as the solutions are always within you.

Transforming your current job into one that aligns with your passions may seem daunting, but it is entirely feasible with the right strategies and mindset. The first step is to identify the aspects of your job that you can be passionate about. This requires introspection and a keen understanding of your interests. For instance, if you enjoy problem-solving, look for opportunities within your role that allow you to tackle complex issues or improve existing processes. Always remember that your voice matters. Speak out your heart and mind. Talk to your managers, make them understand your goals and purposes, let them know your short- and long-term goals. See if there are any lateral shifts available within your organization in the way of internal job postings. But as our former president once said- "Love your job not your organization," it's always important to know what you are living or working for. If even after finding your job or role meaningless and seeing no growth changes in your organization if you still don't want to leave just because you have become so comfortable in the current role, in your niche or you are fearful of taking a risk, applying outside, giving interviews or preparing yourself, then nobody will be able to help you out in this situation. It's your decision, be the guest of your own choices.

Integrating your hobbies or interests into your work tasks can also significantly enhance job satisfaction. For example, I have a passion for writing. I shared this passion with my organization's leadership. They have given me an opportunity to write for my organization's page. I am writing on their page for the past 1 year. Though I am not earning anything extra for it, it's just my passion, it's giving me more wings, more confidence, more visibility and better reach. So while I am loving what I am doing, I am also doing what I am loving on the job.

Additionally, taking on new projects or seeking additional training can be a game-changer. Many individuals have successfully transformed their roles by volunteering for cross-functional teams or projects that align with their interests. This not only expands your skill set but also opens up new avenues for career growth. There are several training platforms like LinkedIn learning, Coursera etc or may be your company integrated learning platforms. There is always scope to learn something extra. It's always cherishing to know new things, be better in your role and more than that evolving as a person. I keep doing that, whether it's related to better team management, better people management, learning new leadership skills or brushing up my project management skills, I feel very much alive and better from yesterday whenever I add an extra wing to my cap.

Finding creative solutions to problems can also make your job more engaging. If you notice inefficiencies or areas for improvement, take the initiative to propose and implement solutions. This proactive approach not only demonstrates your value to the organization but also adds a layer of excitement to your daily tasks. Recently I laid down a small survey within my team and found out the weak areas according to them, where they need more training, more clarity. I launched a platform where I asked them to be the trainer for another one. Take training on the areas they best know about. Out of the team of 14, we have created 40+ trainings in just 4 months. And it's a teamwork, the more you engage your team, the more innovative solutions you will get.

A positive mindset is crucial in this transformation. Viewing challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles can significantly alter your job experience. Cultivate a proactive approach by setting small, measurable achievable goals that align with your passions. This could involve networking with colleagues who share similar interests or seeking mentorship from those who have successfully integrated their passions into their careers.

To start loving your current job, even if you can't change it immediately, begin by identifying one small aspect of your role that you enjoy or can improve. Gradually integrate your interests into your daily tasks and seek opportunities for growth and learning. By taking these actionable steps, you can transform your job into a more satisfying and passion-driven experience.

Love and Light

LKIA ✨