Comments on: Should your passion be your vocation?

By: Rob Palmer

Rob Palmer — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 07:20:33 +0000

Freelance copywriting is a very rewarding way to earn a living - I can’t imagine doing anything else now. It’s very interesting, and profitable, too.

By: Judith

Judith — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 17:56:54 +0000

Should your passion be your vocation? To me, anything other than that is a waste of time and talent. Since I got laid off from a job I hated (it made me so sick I had to go on disability - that’s when they laid me off) I’ve concluded that if it’s not my passion I’d rather be poor and unemployed.

But as other writers have suggested, making a business out of your passion is definitely an alternative. I’m pursuing that path myself and although I am yet to earn substantially from it, I find that I sleep well at nights and I am in the best of health!

Those who continue in a disgusting job just for the money will probably one day realise that making the money is really what their passion is.

By: Direct Response Works

Direct Response Works — Thu, 25 May 2006 21:00:03 +0000

[…] These are the questions raised as I read Bob Bly’s post titled Should your passion be your vocation? I’ve always advocated that loving your work is the key to being happy and successful. […]

By: Taryn Jaramillo

Taryn Jaramillo — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 02:56:35 +0000

As someone who recently released herself from the prison she called full-time employment after a five-year self-imposed term, I say do what you love or lose what you love. I almost lost sight of myself and what I really wanted to do with my life and how I want to live my life because I allowed responsibilities to completely overtake my passions, I only thought of tommorow when I should have thought of today and I undervalued my experience, talent and intuition. I have no idea where I’m headed professionally, but I do know where I’m not going. For the first time in my life, I will trust myself and my instincts; I have no doubt that I will find my path and create the life I feel I deserve which means I will do only that which satisfies my needs as I define them professionally and financially.

By: Ben

Ben — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 11:13:39 +0000

How about *starting a business* based on your passion? I say if you’re passionate about painting, don’t start a portrait-painting business. Sell paint brushes or something.

By: steven edward streight aka vaspers the grate

steven edward streight aka vaspers the grate — Fri, 10 Feb 2006 02:33:46 +0000

If your Passion, inner motivation, insatiable curiosity, about a so and so subject is Hot Enough, it will eventually bring you fortune and book deals. Let’s hope. But I think perseverence is key, and Deming’s idea of continual improvement.

I quoted a wonderful statement you made in your book of 1991 ‘Selling Your Services: Proven Strategies for Getting Clients to Hire You (or Your Firm)’, in a recent Blog Core Values post “Exo-blog promo: be an expert” is the title.

Make money by publishing a book of aphorisms by you. Like the quote I put in my post. Those gems, from all your many books, each topic under a different chapter division…way cool. Okay? Email me. I want your best quote on blogs for my new book.

By: Rob Swanson

Rob Swanson — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 15:27:55 +0000

I think the key is to OWN a business that is your passion. I write full time for a living for a pretty good company. I also freelance articles, ghostwriting and copy on the side. In essence it’s the same job, but despite my freelancing being after hours when I’m already drained, I love the freelancing much more. I’m hoping to make the switch to full-time freelance this year (suck-up moment: I’ve got all of Bob Bly’s books, which have done more for my freelance success than college, or years of experience. Thank you!).

I’ve also worked jobs that tangentally touch a passion (or at least an enjoyment). For example, I managed a comic book distributorship for years. I didn’t get to write them, just sort and sell them, and despite the company being less than stellar, I loved it. Partially the customers (who were all wonderful) and partially the graphic stories that have always enchanted me.

Honestly, though, the only job I ever hated was when I was a Costco greeter (a betweener job that really blew). Everything else was enjoyable because there were new things to learn.

By: Richard Fouts

Richard Fouts — Sun, 22 Jan 2006 18:23:33 +0000

I couldn’t imagine doing something I don’t feel passionate about for 40 to 60 hours a week. How I spend my day is where I get my rewards. Why not get as much ‘feel good’ time as you can?

By: Dianna Huff

Dianna Huff — Sat, 21 Jan 2006 12:35:35 +0000

This type of question is difficult to answer. Some people are very good at singlemindly pursuing money in jobs they aren’t passionate about. Others need to find a purpose in their jobs . . . even if the jobs don’t pay well.

People who can combine money and passion are fortunate indeed.

I also agree with Rich. No matter what you do, save your money so that when your circumstances do change — or when you “come into yourself” at age 45 — you have the financial wherewithal to follow your dreams.

Dianna Huff

By: Marc Gunn, Bard

Marc Gunn, Bard — Fri, 20 Jan 2006 20:00:08 +0000

When I had my day job, I was miserable. I got sick at work just about every other week. It was terrible.

Six months ago I quit my job. Now I’m sitting in a coffee house in Austin, Texas continuing my business education. I am a full-time musician and online marketer. I work at my leisure. It’s required some adjustment learning to manage my time, but I am much much happier than I ever was.

I agree. It is well-worth it to make your passion your vocation. The rewards are boundless.

Slainte!