How to make a living doing what you love

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While this is true, it seems that very few people manage to find that elusive dream occupation that allows them to enjoy their working hours. If it were easy, everybody would be doing it. How can you become one of those few people living the dream?

The first step is to consider what makes you truly happy. You might think that you love photography, but would you feel the same if you had to do it day in and day out, photographing things that didn't really appeal to you? Some things are better kept as hobbies. When you find the thing that gets your blood pumping and makes you want to really do things, you then have to find a way to make it a viable career.

This is where the hard work starts. The reality is, it is going to be a long path for most people. Long and difficult, but rewarding. Generally, if you want to make a living out of your passion, it involves forgoing the monthly salary, the stability of a job within a big organisation and going it alone. You have to be brave and leap in, and be prepared to work hard to make it happen.

Determination is key

Determination paired with creativity is even better. Just having a passion isn't enough to earn you a living. Your writing skills might be amazing, but chances are you will have to take freelancing jobs writing about topics you have no interest in to supplement your dream of writing fiction novels. Or perhaps you could write for a magazine, which might be more to your taste. Or develop a course to teach writing skills. It is imperative to learn to use your skills in different ways, to think outside of the box and learn to apply yourself in as many ways as you can. Initially, you have to implement those skills in the way that will earn some money and develop your reputation. After that you can start to do what you truly love and have people pay for it. Try to think of it as entering your career sideways rather than from vertically.

Talk to people who have already made the leap. It doesn't have to be in your field, just somebody with experience of converting their passion to their job. They might be able to offer you some golden advice, or help you see an avenue that you hadn't considered previously.

Don't do it for the money. Some get lucky and make a fortune doing what they love. That is the ultimate dream, but often the price of a higher enjoyment level is a lower salary especially in the initial stages. If you are one of those lucky people whose passion has the potential to earn millions, then you are truly blessed!

Finally, be patient. Rome wasn't built in a day, and your business will take time to develop, grow and turn into a full time career. The payoff will be worth the wait if you can stick it out.