Having a Passion Helps
There’s an old adage that, if you like what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. That is, as best I can tell, something of a twisted joke. I love what I do now, and I loved several of my previous professional obligations. With that said, waking up when it’s still dark out to prepare for and teach several lectures, with writing, research, and mentorship responsibilities in between is exhausting work.
Any career will have its great days, and it will have rough days, too. Unless the rough days outnumber the good ones, for a long time and by a wide margin, I don’t think that facing challenges is something that should guide us away from a job or a career path. If anything, the more challenging something is, the more likely that it is something worth doing for yourself or for some broader community.
For example, I would imagine that doing open-heart surgeries is more than a little stressful and challenging. But, I, for one, am extremely glad that doctors continue to do such things despite those challenges.
When the going gets tough, there are only so many things that keep people motivated. Money helps, but only to some extent. What’s the point of a six-figure salary that you’re never home to enjoy? A good cause also helps, and people are willing to put a lot into something that they think is morally right.
Truly enjoying something for its own sake, otherwise known as having passion, is one of the few things that can keep people motivated and working when things are hard. If you find yourself wanting to show up on the hard days simply because you think the work is worth doing, then you’re likely on the right career path. If not, then perhaps consider a change.