Passion Careers - Is it all Bullshit?
It’s ok to cry …
Passion does not equal obligation
The idea of turning your passion into a career has been romanticized for years. "Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life," they say. But after nearly 15 years in the hypnotherapy and natural healing industry, I'm starting to question whether this advice is realistic—or even healthy.
When Passion Becomes a Job
The transition from a passion project to a full-time career can be eye-opening. When you turn what you love into your daily work, the reality is that it does become work. And when you pour yourself into something 24/7, you risk burnout.
Many hypnotherapists, healers, and professionals in similar fields start their journey with deep enthusiasm. But as Justine Lette, owner of Hypnosis New Zealand, shared, once hypnotherapy became her job, it took over her life. She found herself without hobbies, without an outlet, and eventually, without balance.
The Importance of Balance
For many professionals, maintaining a personal life separate from their career is essential. I personally find refuge in soccer—during those two hours, my only concern is keeping the ball out of the goal. No business strategies, no self-improvement tactics, just the game. Justine, on the other hand, turns to Netflix for a mental break. But even this can be met with criticism.
We live in a world where self-improvement is pushed constantly. If you have free time, you "should" be meditating, learning, or growing. But what if you just want to watch a silly show and disconnect? The truth is, overloading your brain with constant self-development can have diminishing returns. Sometimes, zoning out is exactly what you need.
Navigating Skepticism & Judgment
Another challenge of pursuing a passion-based career, especially in alternative therapies, is dealing with judgment. Not everyone will understand what you do. Some will outright dismiss it. Justine and I have both experienced skepticism, whether from acquaintances or even family members.
Sheila Granger, a well-known hypnotherapist, once shared that her father referred to her career as being "some kind of con artist," despite her years of success. This is a reality for many in our field—people who don't understand or respect what we do often undermine it.
But here's the thing: It's not your job to convince everyone. Not everyone will share your passion, and that's okay.
Passion Doesn't Equal Obligation
Your passion doesn’t have to define every aspect of your life. You don’t have to bring your work into every social setting or constantly promote your business. I learned this firsthand while playing pool. The bar crowd isn’t necessarily interested in hypnotherapy, and that’s fine.
If someone asks about my work, I’ll talk about it. But I don’t feel the need to educate or convert people who aren't open to it. Passion should be something you enjoy, not a burden to constantly justify.
Finding Your People
One of the hardest lessons in any passion-driven career is realizing that not everyone will share your level of enthusiasm. If you run a business, you might hire people who aren't as dedicated as you. And that’s okay.
For instance, I organize the Australian Hypnosis Conference. I’d love for everyone involved to be as passionate about it as I am, but I also recognize that people will engage at different levels. The key is to manage expectations and focus on what truly matters: surrounding yourself with the right people, while letting go of those who don’t align with your vision.
The "Giving a F*ck" Experiment
At a recent festival, my friends and I decided to hand out small wooden cutouts that said "Fck." The idea was to spread laughter—we’d walk up to people and ask, “Do you want a fck?” Most people burst into laughter, appreciating the joke. But out of a thousand festival-goers, one person filed a complaint, claiming we were being inappropriate.
Instead of getting defensive, we reframed the situation: that person wanted to complain, and we gave them exactly what they were looking for. Not everyone will resonate with what you do, and that’s not your problem to fix.
Is Passion a Myth?
No, passion isn’t bullsh*t—but it does need to be managed realistically. Turning what you love into a career is fulfilling, but it requires balance. You don’t have to immerse yourself in it 24/7. You don’t have to justify it to skeptics. And you definitely don’t have to sacrifice your well-being to "prove" your passion.
The key is knowing where to apply your energy and where to set boundaries. Passion should enhance your life, not consume it. And if you ever need a break? Take it. That doesn’t mean you’ve lost your passion—it means you’re human.
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Start by assessing whether there is a demand for your passion and if people are willing to pay for it. Research the market, test your ideas, and consider starting as a side hustle before making a full-time commitment.
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Skills can be developed! Take courses, seek mentorship, and gain experience through volunteer work or freelance projects. Passion combined with effort and learning can lead to expertise over time.
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Create a financial plan that includes savings, budgeting, and a transition strategy. Consider keeping a part-time job or diversifying your income sources while building your passion-based career.
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When passion turns into work, it can sometimes lose its spark. To keep it fulfilling, set personal creative goals, avoid burnout, and remind yourself why you started. It’s also okay to pivot if needed!
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It’s never too late! Many successful people have changed careers or started passion projects later in life. Start small, learn as you go, and transition at your own pace.
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Fear is normal, but don’t let it hold you back. Build confidence by setting achievable goals, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and focusing on progress rather than perfection.
