The myth: Find your passion early, stick with it, and you'll never work a day in your life.
The reality: 70% of us don't have a single identifiable passion, especially not at a young age. Most people will have an average of seven careers in their lifetime. Feeling lost or have career anxiety? You're not alone. Here are three truths to help you find happiness and purpose in your career.
Truth #1: There is No One “Right” Path
- Myth: You need to discover your passion, or you'll stray off course.
- Reality: Any step you take offers valuable experience and new skills. Be bold, take that first step, and approach each role curiously. Every experience, even the “wrong” ones, contributes to your journey.
Truth #2: Your Worst Days Make the Best Stories
- Struggles and failures: These are the foundations of great stories and valuable lessons.
- Perspective: Next time you're having a tough day, remember this is the beginning of a great story. Obstacles are where the good stuff starts.
Truth #3: Celebrate Your Winding Path
- Non-linear careers: Instead of apologizing for a diverse career path, celebrate it.
- Reframe: Use “and” and “so” to describe your journey. Highlight how your varied experiences make you uniquely valuable.
Finding fulfillment in the journey
You don't need to know your passion or feel guilty about not having one. You can overcome career anxiety and move forward. Your career is a journey of gathering information, reflecting, and moving forward. Have fun, make mistakes, and keep collecting those stories. That's what a genuinely fulfilling career path is all about.
Guest post by Jennifer McCluskey, RaderCo Career Specialist, Certified ICF Career Coach, and Certified Resume Writer.
