Looking back, I realize that I wasted my 20s. I had no one in my early 20s speaking anything positive or beneficial to me. When they say to choose your friends wisely, they’re not lying. I worked in a restaurant for a few years alongside a part-time radio gig, then got married and stepped into a data entry role at a Private Company. I spent hours entering data via a number pad, flipping through a stack of drug tests for 8 hours a day. I then moved on to working in a medical transcription department for the next 10 years.
The Problem with Generalized Jobs
The problem with this approach to life is that if you ever face the unfortunate circumstances of being laid off, you will realize that you are left void of any skill set to move forward. You don’t have any particular place to go after that. If you’re in a job that’s not specialized and really anyone can do it, and you stay there too long, you move up the ladder without gaining any specific skill set or experience to shift into something later.
I didn’t go to school for anything particular. I worked jobs that could be easily replaced. When they announced they were laying off our entire department except my boss and me, I knew my days were numbered. My wife was my biggest asset. She kept telling me, “Hey, you’re fixing everyone’s computers in the office. You spend a lot of time on computers at home. Why don’t you do some training in computers or programming?” She said this multiple times over the years, but I worked around very unambitious people 8 hours a day and thought it was impossible.
Turning Point
In those latter years at that job, I started reading, studying, and learned to write code. I got into software development. The turning point for me came when I came across a diagram that radically changed my mindset on what I should be doing with my life. This diagram helped me determine my calling.
The Three Key Components
- Passion:
Everyone has something they’re passionate about. It’s what excites you and makes you tick. However, passion alone doesn’t pay. If you’re passionate about something but it doesn’t lead to a successful career, it’s just a hobby.
- Proficiency:
What are you good at? Many people are good at things they hate doing. Being proficient at something you dislike will lead to dissatisfaction. On the other hand, being passionate about something you’re not good at won’t lead to success.
- Profitability:
Is the career profitable? If you have passion and proficiency but the career isn’t profitable, you’ll be poor. A profitable career is essential for long-term success.
Finding Your Calling
To find your true calling, you need to identify what you’re passionate about, what you’re good at, and whether it’s profitable. Here are some steps to help you:
- Identify Your Strengths:
Ask people what you’re good at. Often, it’s obvious to everyone but you. Make a list of your strengths.
- Discover Your Passion:
Identify what excites you and what topics you love working on. Make a list of your passions.
- Evaluate Profitability:
Cross off the things on your list that aren’t profitable. Focus on careers that are in demand and pay well.
Conclusion
Finding your calling involves aligning your passion, proficiency, and profitability. If you find a career that covers all three areas, you’ll be on the path to success. If not, take the time to evaluate what’s stopping you and make necessary changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What should I do if I’m good at something but don’t enjoy it?
A1: If you’re good at something but don’t enjoy it, consider finding a career that aligns with both your proficiency and passion.
Q2: Can I change my career path later in life?
A2: Yes, it’s never too late to change your career path. Evaluate your strengths, passions, and the profitability of potential careers.
Q3: How can I identify my strengths and passions?
A3: Ask for feedback from others, reflect on your interests, and make a list of activities that excite you.
Q4: What if my passion isn’t profitable?
A4: If your passion isn’t profitable, consider it a hobby. Look for careers that combine your passion with profitability.