Passion vs Paycheck: When Expectations Weigh In

“Are you chasing a paycheck or your passion? Here’s how to find the balance.”

Ever dread Monday mornings, wishing the weekend never ended? That drag, that “ugh, another week” feeling—it’s more than tiredness. It’s a sign that somewhere along the way, we drifted from the things that truly excite us.

The first question we were asked as kids—even before ABCs and 123s—was: “What do you want to become in the future?”

We were clueless, weren’t we? We jumped from one interest to another, inspired by whatever caught our attention. Dancing, drawing, acting, exploring—we were guided by curiosity and joy.

Society’s Labels

But society had other plans. Speak well? “Future speaker!” Dance gracefully? “Dancer!” Sing melodiously? “Singer!” Create art? “Artist!”

These labels followed us everywhere. And while they seemed flattering, they also planted the idea that our dreams had to fit certain molds.

From Childhood Dreams to Adolescent Choices

As we grew, one thing often stayed close to our hearts—something that made us lose track of time. For some, it was dancing, singing, sketching, sports, teaching, or acting. Some of us even knew exactly what we wanted.

Then came adolescence—and with it, the dreaded question: “Which stream are you taking—Science, Commerce, or Humanities?” Suddenly, our broad ambitions were confined to three paths. That’s when many of us first realized the difference between passion and career.

Society and parents often dictated our choices: outstanding grades meant Science, good grades meant Commerce, satisfactory meant Humanities. Even subject choices were rarely ours. Family legacies, unfulfilled parental dreams, or societal “expectations” became invisible chains guiding our decisions.

Some parents imposed their unfulfilled dreams on us. Others wanted us to continue a family legacy. Though society evolved politically, in thought, many of us were still expected to inherit the “throne.”

In this process, many of us became puppets of expectation. The term passion slowly faded. We were taught that only high-paying professions—Doctor, Engineer, Lawyer, CA, IPS—were “worth it,” and everything else was just a hobby.

And then we start asking ourselves: How will our Mondays be? Will we drag ourselves to work, dreading the start of the week? Or will we feel curious, eager, and alive—just like the child running toward a toy store? This is the moment many of us begin to realize how far we’ve drifted from our passions.

Reconnect With Your Inner Child

Think back: what kept you engaged, curious, and happy as a kid? What made you lose track of time?

Whether it’s one activity or several, there’s a way to reconnect. Enroll in a course, join a workshop, dedicate weekends, or try a part-time job in that field.

For those who feel they haven’t found that “one thing,” it’s not because it doesn’t exist. Life sometimes makes us sacrifice our true passions—family, society, or responsibilities. But those sparks are not lost. Dig deeper. Reflect on what you loved but put aside. That passion can still guide you.

The first time you immerse yourself in it, you’ll feel a sense of belonging—the space that is truly yours. From there, your roadmap becomes clearer. And once you’re stable and confident, who says you can’t consider turning it into a full-time pursuit?

Multi-Talented? Embrace It

If you have multiple passions and feel torn, don’t worry—you’re not lost. Being multi-talented is a strength, not a limitation. You might feel like a “jack of all trades, master at none” at first, but exploration is part of the journey. Try different paths, experiment, and gradually discover what resonates most deeply with you.

Adulting doesn’t mean abandoning the joys of childhood. It’s about balancing career and passion, taking small steps toward what truly lights you up, and never forgetting that curiosity, excitement, and joy aren’t just for kids.

So here’s the question for you today: What’s the one thing that still makes your heart race like it did as a child? Take a step toward it—and watch your life transform.