In the ideal world we’d all be able to pursue our passions and make tons of money doing that. I know that doesn’t always happen. The reality is that at times we have to be practical when it comes to the jobs we choose and other career decisions we make. 

Early in our careers, it doesn’t seem like such a big deal. We’re happy to get a job that pays decently, uses our college degree or career training in which there is a reasonable chance for advancement. We’re able to pay rent, save some money, get a car and life is good. Then, we arrive at a point, maybe 10- 15 years into a career, and wonder how we got there and what else is out there. This wondering can be prompted by the realization that our salary isn’t aligned with our experience and training, we got passed over for a promotion or on overall feeling of boredom. For whatever reason, we’re no longer as passionate as when we started, and the work we’re doing doesn’t really meet our needs anymore.

It’s at this point that people start to re-evaluate their career progress. They take a look at their situation- evaluate their finances, lifestyle, retirement savings and determine they need to make a certain amount of money in order to maintain their lifestyle. The unfortunate part, they feel, is that pursuing a career they can be passionate about might not satisfy their practical needs now or ever. They feel stuck.

Some would argue that if you pursue your career passions, everything else will fall into place to support it. That may be true to an extent, but many of us aren’t willing to take that risk. When kids’ education, mortgages and bills are involved it seems almost frivolous and selfish to pursue a passion.

I love my career, but over the years have encountered challenges and setbacks like any other professional. I’ve been in work settings that weren’t a fit and worked on projects outside of my scope of interest. I’ve lost contracts and had salary cuts. Each time, I’ve made it through but not without effort and support. If you’re feeling stuck in your career and dream of pursuing something more satisfying, keep reading for my suggestions based on what I did to get back my career back on track.   

Adjust your attitude

We all have moments when we think things just aren’t happening like we want them to, or that our career isn’t progressing well. It seems everyone around us is experiencing amazing results in their career and moving right along with life. Dwelling on the unfairness of it all can lead to anger, frustration and a lack of clarity. These negative attitudes diminish your ability to be objective. It’s at the moments when we feel most frustrated that creativity can kick in. Some of the best solutions emerge from a desire for change and improvement. You don’t have to deny your feelings of disappointment, but this state of dissatisfaction has to be viewed a temporary state if you’re to get back on track.

Do something about your situation and take action

 Evaluate your progress, set a goal and make some plans. If you’re not where you want to be in your life and career, ask yourself where you do want to be and brainstorm what you can do to get there. Will updating your skills generate more career options? Can you pursue your passion work in your free time? Can you take on contract work to generate more income and expand your skill set? Are there viable opportunities outside of your field you can transition into? Do some investigation to see what’s out there for you. Talk with other people to get ideas, insight and feedback. Then create a realistic action plan for achieving your goals and take action.

Connect with others

When you are of service to others and take the focus off yourself the result is satisfaction. You are using your skills, interests, and knowledge to improve the lives of others. You don’t have to serve the poor and needy to make a positive contribution. I volunteer for my alumni association and for a local business organization. Those are two constituent groups I feel connected to, and I give 100% to my volunteer efforts. In turn, I have made good friends, launched some major projects, and honed some important skills while providing value. Volunteering and pursuing interests are great ways to get some perspective and have fun.

Be honest and ask for help

When things aren’t going well, we all have the tendency to hide the truth. If you hide behind a façade people will assume everything is good and won’t extend opportunities or suggestions. Countless times I’ve had people tell me about great opportunities, then discount my interest assuming I was too busy to participate. The reality was that I definitely could have used the business.

It’s important to keep in mind that while it may feel like you’re alone in this situation, you’re not the first person to hit a snag in your career. If you’re honest with people, you’d be surprised at how sympathetic and even helpful they can be. I’m not talking about whining and complaining. I’m talking about admitting that things are not going as well as you’d like, but you’re working on improving them. It’s even better if you have some clarity about your aspirations.

It’s been my experience that pursuing passion is often a balancing act rather than an either/or proposition. What can you do if you find yourself in that situation?

Markell R. Steele, M.Ed., NCC, Career Counselor is the owner of Futures in Motion, Inc. and author of Fast Track Your Career: Three Steps for Finding Work You Love. For the past13 years, she has passionately shared her secrets for career happiness and success. Her company provides career assessments and career transition assistance. More articles can be found here- http://futures-in-motion.com/article_archive.php.  She can be reached at Markell@futures-in-motion.com.