Last week when Dad and I were driving to meet some friends for dinner we were listening to the radio and heard something I had to share with you. Do you remember Brant the DJ on the radio station we’ve listened to since you were little? Well, he was talking about the difference between pursuing your passions and pursuing opportunities.
Often, we hear people say that we should pursue our passions.
Though there’s some truth to that – actually, lots of truth – there’s another way of looking at it.
The DJ was telling a story that he heard Mike Rowe share. Mike’s the host of that outrageous show, “Dirty Jobs,” you know… where he interviews people that have the nastiest jobs that no one would want!? Like a worm dung farmer or a bat cave excavator…yuck!
Mike was recalling the story of one of the Dirty Jobs episode in which he joined a man who owned a company that cleans septic tanks. (I think I’d find a different line of work if I was Mike Rowe…just sayin’) What took Mike by surprise was the attitude of this entrepreneur. Cleaning septic tanks isn’t a job that anyone would aspire to or even want to have, yet, the man was laughing and seemed quite happy with his job. It’s doubtful that anyone has the passion to clean septic tanks. However, this man saw an opportunity because he saw no one was cleaning the septic tanks, so he jumped in and started a business.
Isn’t that amazing!? He saw an opportunity, he seized it, and he took his passion with him. Cleaning septic tanks of all things….
Being passionate about what you do is a choice. You can be miserable every day at work or you can take the best of your situation and apply the best of you and your time there can become engaging and prosperous.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, I’m reminded of the movie we watched many years ago called the “Astronaut Farmer.” Do you remember it? It was about a man who had a dreamed of building a rocket ship that could reach space and return home. Charlie, the main character, was a husband and father of three children: all of which he dragged down with him as he tried to pursue his passion. Do you remember how angry Dad became as we watched that movie? Since he’s typically easy going, I was shocked when he paused the film and lectured you about the importance of providing for your family versus pursuing your passion.
Charlie pursued his passion at the expense of his house almost being foreclosed on and he even went so far as to take his children out of school and “homeschool them,” so they could help him with his rocket ship project. Even worse… when his wife’s father died and left them $300,000 he used to money to pay his bills and continue his “passion.” Eventually Charlie launched his rocket, but no one was knocking on his door to employ him. Of course, it’s just a movie, but it ties perfectly into the Mike Rowe story.
Responsibilities come first. When we have bills to pay, that must come before “wants.” That includes pursuing your passions. Not to worry, if God plants a passion in your heart – it doesn’t go away. You can always bring it with you, to your job, as a hobby, or as a side gig.
Some people are fortunate and can make a living at doing exactly what they are passionate about – but that’s very few. It took Dad and I many tries to find a job that we could use the passion within us to really feel satisfied and fulfilled in.
Passions don’t have to be put on hold. In fact, I encourage you to keep pursuing those things that delight your soul. But be wise and responsible first!! You still have to feel good about yourself at the end of the day when you put your head on your pillow.
My guess is the septic tank cleaner sleeps better than the astronaut farmer.
I love you dearly,
Joanne Viola says
We always loved Dirty Jobs! Wonderful post and truth. We must be a perfect blend of responsibilities and passions. Taking care of the first will only make the pursuit of our passions more fulfilling. Wise counsel to be found in this post today.
Char says
I know I’ve preached to pursue passion but – as you said, needs to be a balance!
Michele Morin says
So good.
Recently my husband and I taught a parenting class, so, on a whim, I reached out to a community of women I’m part of and asked them what advice they have for parents when they teach or write about parenting and what they wish they had done differently. The most startling response came from a mum who confessed that she had encouraged her kids to really lean in to their “passions” when they were in high school, and, consequently, her sons had never mowed a lawn or emptied a waste basket in their lives, and were now entering adulthood with no idea how to care for a home.
In this world of special snowflakes, your words are timely and wise. SOMEONE needs to be passionate about taking out the trash!
Char says
Funny that you mention trash! For years taking out the trash was drudgery until one day my husband began anticipating “The magical day” when the trash is picked up. Now he jokes twice a week, “Tomorrow’s the magical day,” and taking out the trash is now seen as a blessing. Actually he was gone Monday when the trash was picked up and I told him he missed the “magic!” Honestly, so much of life is attitude!!
Patrick Weseman says
So very true. I have always told my kiddos to go for their passions but also make sure that they can pay their bills. I have some friends of mine who forgot to tell their kids that part. It is one of the reasons, I told my daughter when she graduated college to take the test that would qualify her to be a sub teacher while she pursues her photography.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Char says
That’s smart Patrick. Having a backup to the career that isn’t so definite to pay. Great advice.
Lauren Sparks says
I had forgotten all about that movie! Great analogy. laurensparks.net
Char says
I’m surprised anyone’s heard of that movie! It was memorable
Rebecca Hastings says
It is increasingly difficult to balance the pursuit of passions with responsibilities in this world. Such an important topic that needs more people talking about it!
I’ve struggled feeling like I do the responsible thing while people around me don’t and they seem to be rewarded for it. Grateful my rewards are not here, but sometimes it is still challenging!
Laurie says
This is a wonderful, thoughtful response to the current trend of telling young people to “follow your passion”. My passion is running, but I don’t have the talent to be a professional runner, no many how many hours a week I run. I taught school for many years, and loved it! It was satisfying, enjoyable, rewarding, and paid the bills!
Char Geletka says
Good for you Laurie! And you definitely enjoy running! I enjoy reading about your adventures!
Donna Reidland says
What a great post and such an important principle for young people and every one of us to understand. I have seen so many people destroy their finances and marriages because they failed to understand this truth! Pinning on my “posts worth reading board.”
Char says
Thanks Donna!
Victoria says
There needs to be a healthy balance between your passion and paying the bills. We have a friend who has a son the same age as our son. Their son is in year 8 of college following his passion while they still pay his bills. Our son who went to college for 2 years and quit to start his own business in a field he loves owns his own home and his own business. Our son has changed directions a couple of times to get the right fit in a business he is happy in while also paying his own bills. Combining opportunities and passion can work.
Char says
You’re so right Victoria! And finding that perfect combination can take some trial and error. So happy for your son!!
Maree Dee says
Char, You have such wise advice week after week. I am thinking I should just forward your letters to my children. Thank you for allowing us into your world. Blessings, Maree
Char Geletka says
Thanks for the encouragement Maree!!
Patricia says
Yes! Your post is so timely! Yes, God has given us passions to follow, but first and foremost are our responsibilities! I have so many passions – yet I find if I take care of first things first in a timely, responsible manner, there is more than enough time and money to follow my dreams.
This post would be a wonderful graduation letter/gift! Thank you for sharing!