3 Chapter 3: Passion, Planning, and Career Values

Dr. Michael Duggan and Dr. Patricia Munsch

“Finding a Career is Easy!  Just Choose Something You’re Passionate About…”

How often I’ve heard this cliche phrase as a Counselor.  And indeed, yes, I can say with the most genuine honesty in my heart I do have great passion for the work I do day to day.  But this was not always the case, and most certainly, it was not obvious to me when I was in college so many years ago.  In time, my career passions did emerge–advocacy, creativity, laughter, and teaching being the strongest among them.  Many of the people you as a college student that you speak to will be just like me in that we have found our career passion–or, if they haven’t found it, at least have a ball park idea where it would reside.  I’ve come to realize this is something that usually happens for each of us, but at different times if our lifetimes.  I’m a fan of a clip from the 1991 movie, City Slickers, starring Jack Palance and Billy Crystal.

For some, that “one thing” that Jack Palance mentions in the above video is evident at an early age.  They are very lucky.  That passion hits them like a lightning bolt early in their lives.  This type of person usually knows at the first day of college classes exactly what they want to do.  Sometimes, this is reflected by their course choices in their first semester of college, sometimes not.  But either way, their passion shines brightly in most everything they do.  A real life person who I think of that perfectly passionate is a man by the name of William Hung.  He auditioned for a TV show called American Idol.  Here is his audition:

https://youtu.be/0d5eP0wWLQY

Even though William’s intonation and pitch when it came to singing was questionable, his passion for singing and music was clearly evident.  I like to think this was the message he was trying to share with the world–sometimes the things we are passionate about at times do not immediately seem like they could translate into a career, but we still owe it to ourselves to explore the possibility while we are in college.

As you can imagine, when the video of William Hung aired in the United States to millions and millions of people, his message resonated.  And even though many laughed at him, he succeeded in doing some most said would be impossible–he made a career out of his passion for music.

Again to my point, for some of us, that “Passion” is clear as day, and we owe it to ourselves to exploring it.  But what if we’re not sure of what our career passions are?  Should we give up and slump into a future of disappointment?  By all means not!  You may not have found it yet, but it most certainly exists.  In the meantime, there is still plenty to be done.  One of my favorite Ted videos, Terri Trespicio shared a converse perspective, what to do if you still are unsure what you are passionate about:

Beyond choosing a major I often find it can also be helpful for students to think of their values, specifically, when it comes to their future career.  So what are “Career Values”?  And, what are some examples?  In thinking of this, a few come to mind:

Technology–Interfacing with computers and related technologies on a variety of levels

Adventure–Doing exciting activities, in new or uncertain situations, engaging in competition

Artistic–Producing things that are aesthetically pleasing and creating beauty.

Association–Having good relationships wit others, giving a feeling of acceptance and feeling of belonging as you have congenial co-workers.

Creativity–Having the ability to initiate new ideas and products

Independence–Being able to plan your own work activities, having the freedom to change procedures, and not being subject to too much direction from others.

Intellectualism–Being engaged in solving complex questions, requiring thought, applying concepts and knowledge to problems.

Leadership–Directing and supervising others in their work.  Being a manager and key decision maker.

Freedom of Life Style–Having a career that enables the life style outside of work you ultimately desire.

Moral Fulfillment–Having a career that enables you to do work meeting your own personal moral standards.

Orderliness–Working under the direction of others, with a career that includes set responsibilities and expectations.  Following set procedures and routines.

Physical Performance–Being able to do difficult physical tasks that require precision, coordination, and strength.

Recognition–Being known by many people and receiving respect and approval from others.

Security–Having a steady career and always being assured of income.

Social Service–Working for the benefit of others and society, helping other people by making a difference.

Socioeconomic–Having a high income and status

Variety–Being engaged in many different and interesting activities or problems.  Having the ability to avoid routine or repetitious work.

These are just a few examples.  Do you have others that are not mentioned here?  And, if you had to rank these, which would the most important?  Or the least?  This information may be helpful to you as you think about your future and your college education.