3 Ways to Do What You Love (2024)

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Co-authored byAdam Dorsay, PsyD

Last Updated: February 21, 2023References

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   Think back to what you loved as a child. If you're unsure of what you like to do, think back to your earliest memories and what you loved to do when you were a child. It's common for people as they get older to become disconnected with what they enjoy.^[1] Write down a list of hobbies and interests that you enjoy and think of ways to incorporate them into your current life. If you are a child or teenager, think of the things that make you the happiest and try to spend more time doing them.

   • Things like drawing, construction, science, or helping others, can translate to a career as you get older.^[2]
   • If you've been passionate about something ever since you were young, it's a good indication it's something that you love it.
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   Remove thoughts of time constraints and money restrictions. Finding what you like to do can be difficult, and money and time constraints can prevent us from pursuing our passion. Think about what you would love to do if time and money were of no concern.

   • Don't say things like "it's too expensive" or "I have no time." If it's truly something that you love to do, save up the money and make time to do it.
   • If money is the only consideration when you are getting a job then you may end up being unhappy with your profession.^[3]
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   Make a list of people you want to be like. It may help to look into the lives of those that you look up to. Read into their lives and determine how they became successful and try to replicate it.^[4] These people could be anyone, including family members, mentors, sports stars, or celebrities.

   • While the people you admire can act as a good road map to success, make sure that you are still being you.^[5]
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   Ask family and friends for insight. Your family and friends may know you better than yourself. Fears and unconscious desires may be altering your self-image.^[6] You may think that you love doing something, but it's not really a genuine passion. Talk to your family and friends about your life. Ask for their insight into what they think you love the most.

   • When talking to a relative or friend, you can say something like, "I want to do something I'm interested in, but I'm not sure what that is. Do you have any idea of what I love doing?"
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   Take a personality test. If you want to pursue a career that you love but you're unsure of what kind of jobs to look for, consider taking a personality test like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or O*Net Interests Profiler. These tests give you a series of questions and then provide results on recommended careers based on your answers.^[7]

   • While the accuracy of career tests are debatable, it may help point you in the right direction when looking for a job you love.
   • If you have no clue on what you love to do as a career, this can be a good starting point that can give you ideas but don't take the results as hard facts.
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   Consult a career counselor. If you're still unsure of the industry that you love or a job that you want to pursue, talk to a career counselor. They will look at your experience and determine your strengths and weaknesses through tests. Not only can they help you find a career that incorporates something you love, but they can also provide you with the support and guidance you need to navigate your new career.

   • Search online for career counselors that service your area.
   • If you are attending high school or college, there are usually career counselors that are there to help guide students.^[8]
   • When you call them, say something like, "I'm looking to switch careers to something that I love, but I'm not sure what jobs are available. Can I make an appointment to get evaluated?"

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   Use your networking connections to find a job in your industry. Use social media and your networking contacts to locate a new job in the industry you're passionate about. Ask around and see if friends know of any job openings for entry level positions in your desired industry.

   • Go through your list of friends on your Facebook or LinkedIn and determine who is working in your dream career. Reach out to them through direct messages and ask them if they know of anyone hiring for entry level positions.
   • If you notice that someone has been posting pictures revolving around career that you love, call them and ask them how they got started in it.
   • You can say something like, "I don't have much experience, but I realized that doing this is my passion. I just need an opportunity to gain some experience. Do you know of any companies that are hiring?"
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   Take on an internship. Just because you love doing something doesn't mean that you'll love doing it professionally. A great way to determine whether you'll like your new profession is by interning part-time. Search online for any fellowship or intern programs being offered by companies that you'd want to work for.

   • Some interests and hobbies like graphic design, art, or writing, may have many different operations in a professional environment opposed to doing it casually.
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   Start applying to jobs in your new industry. If you have a job, use any downtime to start applying for jobs in the industry that you love. You can wake up early, fill out applications during your lunch break, or search for jobs after work. If you are unemployed, try applying to jobs every day until you get callbacks and requests for interviews. Treat looking for a new job like a job itself, and keep strict hours for applying to different positions.

   • Use websites like Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder, and Craigslist to find job openings.
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   Get out of your current career. If you feel unhappy in the career you are currently in then you should consider getting out of your current job. Do not let fear of change paralyze you into not looking for another career. Always leave on good terms, give at least two weeks notice, and get references before you leave.

   • If you can't overcome your fear of change, visualize yourself in your current position for the next five years and think of how unhappy you'll be.
   • It may be hard to leave your current job because of how comfortable you feel, but don't let this get in the way of your dreams.
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   Ensure that you are financially stable for the transition. While doing something that you love is enjoyable, it's important to remember that you'll still need to take care of your responsibilities. Make a list of all your expenses per month and calculate how much you'll need to be paid in your new job.

   • If you are concerned with switching careers because of financial reasons, start looking for new jobs while working at your old one.
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   Remain dedicated and work hard towards your goals. Doing a job that you love requires dedication and passion. If you aren't already established in the industry that you are looking to excel in, it may be hard to build up experience at first. Put in the work and don't give up just because it gets hard. Passion will generate good results and employers will see your hard work.

   • Be ready to put in overtime and serious effort to become good at your new job.
   • If someone criticizes you, don't take it personally. Try to look at their advice from an objective view and use it to improve your skills.
   • You may have a hard time obtaining an interview at first. Keep applying for jobs and look for positions that don't require a lot of experience.
   • If you feel like you aren't moving towards your goals, take a step back and reevaluate. Consider going back to school or getting an additional certificate to improve your chances.

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   Search online and sign up for classes in your area. Look online for classes offered by community centers or a nearby college if you want to take up a hobby that you love. Hobbies allow you to take a break from your professional life and make for a great outlet for stress.

   • You are never too old to attend a class that interests you.
   • Hobbies can include singing, dance, learning an instrument, or taking an art class.
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   Make time in your schedule to dedicate to your hobby. Refrain from making excuses and practice regularly. Life can become busy, and it's easy to put the hobby you love on the backburner for more important things. Try scheduling your day out and lessen the time you spend on other tasks so you can fit in room for your hobby.

   • Eliminate other time-consuming tasks like watching TV or surfing the web and dedicate that time to your hobby instead.
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   Don't let criticism take away from your happiness. Friends and family may be critical of your new hobby if it's different than what you normally do, or they don't agree with it. Don't let this persuade you not to pursue the hobby you love. Don't listen to people that say you can't do it, and take the time to learn about your hobby and get better at it.

   • Don't quit a hobby just because other people think it's silly. If it makes you happy and you genuinely enjoy doing it, stick with it.
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   Be realistic with your goals. If you are new to your hobby, or you haven't been practicing it for a long time, there's a good chance you'll need to get better at it. Most people won't be proficient at a task without being given the time to practice. Age may also play a factor in your new hobby and could prevent you from doing it well if it's physical and you're out of shape or have health conditions. Evaluate yourself honestly, and set goals that are realistic to your abilities.

   • If you are older, you may have a decrease in functional ability. Instead of setting unattainable goals, consider your body and aim for something that you can accomplish.^[9]

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