Why 'Follow Your Passion' Is Risky Advice – and What to Do Instead

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When I was 10 years old, I had a dream: to become a nuclear scientist. It was 1998, and Pakistan had just become the 7th nuclear power in the world. Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, the scientist behind this achievement, was a national hero. Inspired, I envisioned a future in nuclear science.

But dreams can clash with reality. As I learned about international bans on nuclear education and the challenges in pursuing this field, my passion faded.

By age 14, my goal had shifted. I was captivated by the prestige of Ivy League degrees after seeing Pakistan’s finance leaders graduate from institutions like Harvard and the London School of Economics. I declared to anyone who asked: “I want to attend Harvard.”

But again, reality set in. Economics bored me, and the odds of getting into Harvard—at a 6% acceptance rate—were slim. Plus, a PhD in Economics wasn’t lucrative unless you were from a top-tier school.

Then I met someone who changed everything: a Chartered Accountant who introduced me to actuarial science. He told me about a company where a floor was filled with "brilliant people" called actuaries. The profession combined my love for math with excellent earning potential.

At that time, there were only 19 qualified actuaries in Pakistan compared to 25,000 Chartered Accountants. Actuarial science offered something rare: high demand, low supply, and financial stability. Without a second thought—or a backup plan—I jumped in. It wasn’t just a career. It was my ticket to a future I could build on.

Looking back, I’m grateful. For me, actuarial science became both a passion and a paycheck. But it doesn’t always work that way for everyone.

The Problem with "Follow Your Passion"

Here’s the common argument: follow your passion, and success will follow. Passion keeps you motivated, makes work enjoyable, and helps you push through challenges.

It sounds perfect—but the reality is more complex.

1. Passion doesn’t always pay the bills.

   Some passions simply aren’t profitable, especially if the field doesn’t take off or the competition is fierce. You might spend years chasing a dream, only to find yourself financially stuck.

2. Passion can be fleeting.

   What excites you today might bore you tomorrow. Following every “shiny object” can lead to frustration and lack of focus.

3. You might not be good at your passion.

   Not everyone can become a professional athlete, actor, or scientist. Sometimes, talent doesn’t align with ambition.

4. Passion can turn into stress.

   Turning something you love into work—especially under tight deadlines or high pressure—can suck the joy out of it.

A Practical Alternative

Instead of blindly following passion, consider a balanced approach:

• Choose something with demand. Look for careers where skills are in demand and earning potential is strong. Money isn’t just a selfish goal—it’s a tool for freedom and security.

• Start with proficiency. Focus on what you’re good at. As you improve, you might find passion grows alongside your skills.

• Let passion be a hobby. You don’t have to turn every interest into a career. Keep hobbies fun and free from the pressure of making them profitable.

• Pivot wisely. Use your career as a foundation to explore interests later. Success in one field can give you the financial stability to pursue your passions without risk.

Think Like an Actuary

As actuaries, we’re trained to assess risk and reward. Why not apply the same thinking to our careers?

1. Build a stable foundation in a high-demand field.

2. Specialize and succeed, building a track record of reliability and results.

3. Once financially independent, pivot into areas you’re passionate about or explore niches within your field.

For example, someone might start in general actuarial consulting, then move into microinsurance, and later specialize in areas like satellite-based index insurance. Each step builds on the last, with new opportunities unfolding as their expertise grows.

Enjoy the Journey

This approach doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice all joy. Success requires hard work, but some level of interest and satisfaction is necessary to sustain the journey. Often, enjoyment grows as you get better at something and see the impact of your work.

You might not love a role at first, but as your confidence and skills develop, fulfillment often follows. Stability first doesn’t mean enjoyment is lost—it’s often found along the way.

The Bottom Line

"Follow your passion" sounds inspiring, but it’s incomplete. A better mantra might be: "Follow your efforts." Passion can follow proficiency, and financial stability can unlock freedom to pursue the work you truly love.

Think like an actuary. Assess the risks, weigh the rewards, and make a choice that sets you up for long-term success.