I just finished reading an article in The Atlantic where researchers pose that to encourage students to “find/follow your passion” could set them up for future failure when they discover that their true passion may not exist in the working world.
I was one of those professors who extolled the virtues of discovering one’s true passions to find a career in which one could find success. Truth be told, I still think this is good advice. However, I do see the point that encouraging students to find “perfection” in their passion journey is a setup for failure. There is the issue of reality in a working world of rules, structures, and bosses. The truly passionate student may be shocked to find themselves in a place where following one’s passion is a pipe dream.
What this article presents is a theory I will call “explore your world” where from childhood, people can be interested in numerous subjects. As I think back to my own childhood, I loved math and received the math award in 8th grade while also getting A’s on all my English papers. In play, I adored my electric trains as well as my Barbies and their Dream Car.
I do think it’s important to examine options and other areas outside of one’s “passions,” but when the time comes to hang a hat on the hook, I do think one needs to follow what one’s proverbial heart suggests.
In sum: Find your passion and explore your world — why not both!
madmuser 