Julia Hogan

“If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life,” the old adage goes. As millennials, we’ve been told over and over again to find—and then follow—our passion. Doing so, they say, will not only fulfill our purpose but also pay our bills, inspire others, and make the world a better place—all while we sing “Kumbaya” in perfect pitch. Now, don’t get us wrong—these sentiments hold real truths. We will spend roughly a third of our adult lives building our careers.

“If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life,” the old adage goes. As millennials, we’ve been told over and over again to find—and then follow—our passion. Doing so, they say, will not only fulfill our purpose but also pay our bills, inspire others, and make the world a better place—all while we sing “Kumbaya” in perfect pitch. Now, don’t get us wrong—these sentiments hold real truths. We will spend roughly a third of our adult lives building our careers.

Remember when you were little, and adults would ask you what you wanted to be when you grew up? If you were like me, you said “Veterinarian!” on an average day. If you were feeling artistic and wanted to switch things up, you’d say, “An architect!” There was no doubt in your mind that you would grow up to be successful at your dream job. Fast-forward a decade or two. You’ve come to realize that finding a career that is a perfect fit for you is not so simple.