Find Your Passion: A Guide to Living & Working with Purpose

Many of us spend years searching for the one thing that lights us up — the passion that drives us, fuels our happiness, and gives meaning to our work. For me, that passion is helping others, which inspired my transition from the Corporate world to the Nonprofit sector. I’ve always found joy in being of service, and now, my work is centered around making a difference in the lives of others. But this wasn’t an overnight discovery; it took time, reflection, and trial and error to find my path.

I was a Tax Accountant for many years but felt like I wasn't making a difference in this world. While I helped many business owners with financial planning and tax strategies, I felt a void in my career. This realization was especially difficult because initially I felt that I had failed in life since I had worked so hard towards getting a college degree in Accounting and invested so many years in my career. However, after being brutally honest with myself, I took the steps listed below to rediscover my passion of being of service. I realigned my work to make a significant difference in the lives of others through my various endeavors.

If you’re still figuring out what your passion is, know that you’re not alone. It’s a journey, but it’s one worth taking. When you align your career with something you truly enjoy, the happiness and fulfillment you feel will spill over into all areas of your life. Here’s how to start discovering your passion and turning it into a career you love.

1. Reflect on What Brings You Joy

The first step to finding your passion is understanding what truly makes you happy. Ask yourself:

• What activities make me lose track of time?

• When do I feel the most alive and energized?

• What do people often thank me for or compliment me on?

• If money weren’t a factor, what would I spend my days doing?

For me, the answer was clear: helping others. Whether it was through mentoring or providing resources, I felt the most fulfilled when I was making a positive impact on someone’s life.

2. Explore New Experiences

Sometimes, we don’t know what we’re passionate about because we haven’t tried enough things. Step outside your comfort zone and experiment:

• Volunteer for causes that interest you (volunteer opportunities will be added soon).

• Take classes or workshops in areas you’re curious about.

• Shadow professionals in fields you admire.

• Join community groups or attend events related to your interests.

The more you explore, the closer you’ll get to discovering what excites you.

3. Recognize the Signs of Discontent

If you hate your job or dread going to work every day, it’s a clear sign that something needs to change. Life is too short to settle for a career that drains your energy and leaves you unfulfilled. While paying bills is important, there’s a way to work strategically toward a career that aligns with your passion. Start by identifying what you dislike about your current role and what you’d love to do instead.

4. Turn Your Passion into a Career

Once you’ve identified what brings you joy, think about how you can turn it into a career or business. For example:

• If you love art, consider teaching classes, selling your creations, or working in creative industries.

• If you’re passionate about helping others, explore roles in nonprofit organizations, coaching, or social work.

• If you enjoy solving problems, look into fields like consulting, engineering, or entrepreneurship.

Remember, you don’t have to make the leap all at once. You can start small by pursuing your passion as a side hustle or volunteering. Over time, you can build a pathway to make it your full-time career.

5. Seek Support and Guidance

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Reach out to mentors, friends, or professionals who can provide advice and encouragement. Sometimes, others see potential in us that we overlook in ourselves. Additionally, don’t be afraid to invest in your growth. Take courses, attend networking events, or work with a career coach to help you turn your passion into a sustainable career.

6. Be Patient with Yourself

Discovering your passion is a journey, not a race. It’s okay if it takes time to figure out what truly lights you up. Every step you take—whether it’s trying something new, leaving a job that doesn’t serve you, or pursuing an interest—is a step in the right direction.

Final Thoughts

Your passion is a gift, and when you align your career with it, you create a life filled with purpose and joy. While it may feel daunting to step away from the comfort of a steady paycheck or explore uncharted territory, the rewards are worth it. I've met so many amazing people, have visited beautiful places I never would've seen as a Tax Accountant, learned so much more than tax laws lol and have had so many fun experiences. Every day is a new adventure which I'm super excited about!

Don’t settle for a job that leaves you feeling unfulfilled. Take the time to reflect, explore, and pursue what truly makes you happy. Please visit our Scholarship page to learn about scholarships opportunities, apprenticeships, summer programs, college resources and much more. Whether it’s starting a business, changing careers, or simply incorporating your passion into your daily life, you have the power to design a career and life that aligns with your purpose.

Happiness isn’t just for weekends or vacations — it’s something you can experience every day when you live and work in alignment with your passion. If you need, additional assist or prefer personalized guidance with unlocking your highest potential and creating the life you've always dreamed of, please visit my Services page to view the plans I offer to guide you every step of the way. Start your journey today, and watch how your life transforms. 💛

P.S. Don't forget to ask others for help in figuring out your passion and next steps. To learn more on how you can do that, please read my blog "The Importance of Asking for Help & Building a Network of Support"