4 Tips for Turning Your Passion into a Career

4 Tips for Turning Your Passion into a Career 4 Tips for Turning Your Passion into a Career Turning your passion into a career can make for the perfect marriage. People who’ve been savvy enough- or lucky enough- to strike that balance often reach this goal through a combination of hard work, smarts, and serendipity. Granted, it may be an uphill battle to find that sweet spot in your career where you’re being paid to do something you truly enjoy. The most challenging issue for many, especially at the beginning, can be figuring out how to earn enough money to pay the bills. You may need to hold on to your day job (if you have one), before you dive full-time into turning a hobby or side interest into a full-fledged career. To fire up your imagination and your inspiration, here are a few suggested approaches that may help you earn a paycheck while doing what you truly enjoy: Blend left brain and right brain If you’re someone who enjoys gourmet cooking or fine wine, but also has a head for business, finding a way to bring those talents together can offer tantalizing career possibilities. Take the case of Wineflite, a company that ships wine worldwide for global travelers. The founder combined his knowledge of freight and shipping logistics with his appreciation for fine wine to establish a successful business. Teach what you know Are you an amateur artist whose skills impress your family and friends? Do you enjoy practicing yoga daily? Is music your thing- singing or perhaps playing an instrument? Consider getting some formal training that will allow you to teach what you love to do. Your experience as a hobbyist can reap practical, as well as financial, benefits. Save the world “Green” companies with environmental missions, and nonprofit organizations are among the best opportunities for people looking for second, or encore careers. Other job possibilities include the healthcare sector, education, and government work. Get creative Working in creative fields can provide some of the most fulfilling work for people looking to set off on a new path. Whats more, being creative in your job search can mean going beyond the fields typically thought of as creative. Are you a whiz in science, technology, engineering, or math- the so-called STEM career field? Look for hot jobs that may land you in cities that top the list of places where your skills are most in demand. Readers, tell us your ideas about how to combine doing what you love with your career!