Following your passion vs. being pragmatic: a false dichotomy
The Myth of the Perfect Job
"Follow your passion" vs making money in a pragmatic way by doing something you are NOT passionate about (say, by filling a market need)—this is a false dichotomy.
Life is not a simple duality in this regard. There is room for finding joy, meaning, and purpose by following your passion(s) AND still plenty of time for doing the sometimes hard, sometimes tedious work that meets the needs of the world.
Most jobs, regardless of the field, or how glamorous they may seem from the outside can be difficult and, at times, unpleasant. Even the most exotic or seemingly fulfilling careers have their share of tedious and draining aspects.
Rather than viewing the choice between following “passion” and meeting market demands as an all-or-nothing proposition, ask yourself:
Can I strike a balance in how I spend my time and find both humility and joy in simple tasks that provide for my lifestyle and the people I love?
In my view, after years spent highly identified with my career I have come to understand it’s mostly a matter of mindset.
Before enlightenment: chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment: chop wood, carry water. You will not be saved by being a fulltime artist, world renowned director, great american novelist, entrepreneur or financier.
Meaning and purpose in work and life is a choice, a creative act. It’s how you choose to show up.