Chasing Balance: Passion vs. Paycheck

We live in a world that champions following your dreams, yet whispers about practicality in the same breath. We’ve all heard the adage, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” It sounds magical, doesn’t it? But when juggling responsibilities and realities, the romanticism of that phrase can feel a little naive. Is it really possible to balance doing what you love with making enough to live? Can what you love sustain you financially, or is that a rare luxury? And if not, how does one navigate the heartache of letting go of a dream—or at least putting it on hold?

Take Vincent van Gogh, for example, a name synonymous with artistic genius today. During his lifetime, however, he was anything but successful. Van Gogh created over 2,100 works of art, yet sold only a few paintings while alive. His passion for painting came from a deep, almost spiritual place, but the world wasn’t ready to pay for it. He relied on his brother for financial support, a humbling arrangement that likely chipped away at his spirit.

Now contrast Van Gogh’s story with that of J.K. Rowling. At one point, she was an unemployed single mother, scribbling the beginnings of Harry Potter in cafes. Her story feels almost mythical, like proof that following your heart can work out in the end. But even she faced enormous hurdles—rejections from publishers, financial struggles, and immense pressure to make her passion sustainable.

These stories illustrate the spectrum of possibilities, from barely surviving to thriving, when trying to align passion with income. But here’s the thing: most of us land somewhere in the middle.

For many, it’s not a question of whether you want to do what you love—it’s a question of whether you can. Privilege, timing, luck, and systemic barriers play huge roles in determining who gets to chase their dreams full-time. The single parent working two jobs might not have the bandwidth to explore their passion for painting. The aspiring writer from a low-income background might not have the luxury of unpaid internships to break into publishing.

I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on this, and here’s what I’ve come to believe: the answer is deeply personal. There’s no universal right or wrong way to approach this. For some, the pursuit of passion is non-negotiable, no matter the cost. For others, practicality wins out, and the passion gets tucked away, reserved for stolen moments on weekends. Neither choice is inherently better or worse—it’s about what feels right for you.

For me, the balance lies in perspective. Not everything I love needs to make me money, and not everything that makes me money needs to spark joy. My job might not always align perfectly with my passions, but I find fulfilment in knowing that the financial stability it provides allows me to pursue other interests.

If you’re wrestling with this question, here are a few things that have helped me and others I know:

1. Start Small | If making money from your passion feels out of reach, start by carving out time for it on the side. Love photography? Dedicate your Sundays to shooting photos. Passionate about writing? Start a blog or join a local workshop. Sometimes, just doing what you love—even without monetising it—can bring immense satisfaction.

   
   

2. Consider Hybrid Models | You don’t always have to choose between passion and paycheck. Many people find hybrid solutions, like taking on a stable job that supports them financially while freelancing or pursuing their passion part-time.

   
   

3. Redefine Success | Success doesn’t have to mean earning six figures from your dream job. It might mean being able to afford the tools for your craft, finding a community of like-minded individuals, or even just making enough to cover expenses while doing what you love.

   
   

4. Be Honest About Sacrifices | Following your passion full-time often comes with sacrifices—financial instability, long hours, or creative burnout. Before taking the leap, ask yourself if you’re willing and able to make those sacrifices.

   
   

5. Seek Meaning in What You Do | Even if your job doesn’t align with your passions, look for ways to find meaning in it. Maybe your role allows you to help others, learn new skills, or contribute to something larger than yourself. Meaning doesn’t always come from passion—it can also come from impact.

   
   

It would be dishonest to ignore the emotional weight of choosing practicality over passion. There’s a specific kind of ache that comes with shelving a dream, even temporarily. I think of all the stories we’ll never hear—the would-be poet who had to take up carpentry, the aspiring artist who became an accountant. How does it feel to not follow your heart’s desire? Likely, it feels like loss.

But loss doesn’t have to mean an end. Just because your passion isn’t your profession doesn’t mean it disappears. It might take a different form or a different timeline, but it can still have a place in your life.

This topic is so personal, and everyone’s journey is different. What works for me might not work for you, and that’s okay. The important thing is to make peace with your choice, whatever it may be. And if you’re still figuring it out? That’s okay too. Life isn’t a race—it’s a journey, and finding balance is part of the process.

‘Till next time…