Finding Your Passion

Y’all are probably instantly wondering: “Why on earth should I take advice on how to find my passion from her?”

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As someone who has clearly admitted she has no idea what she wants to do in life and never has, it probably seems like I’m the last person you would want to take advice from. Well here’s why it might not be such a bad idea. Grab some coffee throw in some collagen and let’s get started!

Over the last several months, I’ve discovered you need to just try things you can’t stop thinking about. My nursing school disaster is the best example. Even though I had never seen myself as a nurse, starting that program had been on my mind for at least two years. It was certainly an expensive mistake, but now I know that nursing isn’t for me and I’m moving forward.

The Journey

I graduated from college in 2014 with my Bachelor’s in Biology. My original plan was to go to dental school and eventually become an orthodontist. Since my undergrad took 5.5 years, I decided another 4 years of dental school and another couple of years for specializing just didn’t make sense – I obviously didn’t want to be a dentist that badly. All I knew at that point was that I wanted to help people. How? I have no answer.

My resume is full of jobs that make no sense for my background. As a result, I have gotten really great work experience in many areas. But considering I wanted to be a doctor and orthodontist, being a receptionist doesn’t make sense.

When we are young, we believe the path to life success will be straight.  We tend to assume there will only be a few minor bumps in the road. I never could have imagined the detours I would be challenged with in my career, financially, & emotionally. It feels like I’ve been knocked down so many times that I just can’t imagine having to the pick up the pieces in my career again.

There was recently a few opportunities for advancement with my company and I was so excited to take advantage. This was the moment I had been waiting for since I started. It didn’t work out. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt as discouraged as I do now. When I started working for this company, I didn’t know which avenue I wanted to follow. I wanted to learn it all, in hopes I would find the element that showed me what I was most passionate about.

At this point, I can’t help but feel like all of the hard work I’ve done was for nothing. I truly cannot even put into words how the last few days have felt.

Starting Over. Again.

So here I am, starting over completely for the second time in less than one year. I haven’t slept, eaten, or worked out like I should be. My attitude is severely lacking and my happiness has been destroyed. The energy I put into proving myself has been used up and it has been pretty difficult to get back to my old self.

At 26, I’m on a mission to find my passion. Again. Maybe it’s not in the healthcare field at all.  The best thing about starting fresh is realizing how many opportunities really are out there. The world is your oyster.

In order to find something I’ve never had, I know I’m going to have to do something I’ve never done. This time around, I’m doing it all completely differently. In order to discover my ultimate career, I’m reevaluating everything.

I’m writing out the places I want to live. Jotting down the things that make me happy. Pulling the elements I’ve loved from my past jobs. Recognizing the aspects that I enjoyed from each position I’ve held previously.  The vision for my life has changed drastically, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still have control. I’ve taken a few detours, but there’s no doubt I will find the main road again.

Your Passion, Your Values, Your Strengths

No matter where you are in life, starting over isn’t easy. You have to find the things that set your soul on fire. What brings out the best in you? Is there something you find yourself talking about constantly? Telling everyone around how much it means to you? These things that you can’t imagine living without are your calling. The things you can’t stop thinking or talking about, these are your passions. When you talk about them, your face lights up, you feel at ease and excited when this topic is brought up. This is your passion.

Never forget how you grew up. Recognize the values you were raised with and the ones you’ve created yourself as you’ve grown older. Loyalty. Honesty. Faith. Be sure your core values aren’t going to be jeopardized when considering new positions. Also try to find opportunities where you are using these values in everything you do.

Brainstorm a list of your greatest abilities. It’s not always easy to write down everything you’re great at, but really try with this. It’s important to recognize the things you’re good at, especially when you’re trying to find a new career! This is your time to shine.

If you’re a people person, you definitely don’t want to consider working in a cubicle with little engagement with others. When you’re able to let your true colors shine at your job, you will excel. Everyone around you will see how wonderful you are at your job and you will be hard to deny for promotions and even better opportunities.

New Opportunities

A friend told me today, “That door has closed. It’s just a matter of time before another one opens.” It isn’t about not getting the job anymore. Ultimately, it’s about my happiness. It’s about being challenged in my work and making a difference to someone.

We have to put in the work and the effort to create opportunities for doors to open. Sitting around waiting for new positions to open would lead to misery and disappointment for everyone.

If you put in the work, the rewards will follow. You have to take responsibility for where you are in life, regardless if you’re disappointed in yourself or not.