How to find a job you love

Why pursuing your passion satisfies both your personal and professional career needs

Those who show a passion for their interests in their teens are more likely to be successful later on, regardless of inherent talent (AFP/Getty Images)

When it comes to a career, most people wonder whether they should pursue their passion or strive towards making a secure living. But the two options may not be mutually exclusive.

Young people with strong convictions are more likely to take risks, persist and ultimately get jobs in their chosen field, satisfying both their personal and professional career needs, a recent study found.

Researchers also found those who exhibit a passion for their interests in their teens are more likely to be successful later on, regardless of their inherent talent.

The study, published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, surveyed 450 high-school music students at two US summer music programmes over the course of 11 years.

"Given the economic reality today, people commonly face trade-offs as they make decisions that pit the two sides of careers - the 'heart', or intrinsic side, and the 'head,' or extrinsic side - against one another," said Doctor Daniel Heller of Tel Aviv University.

Although the participants who were involved in music professionally earned considerably less than freelancers or amateurs who pursued their musical interests outside of work, they reported similar or greater satisfaction with their jobs and lives.

"If you experience a strong calling, you need to be cognizant of your relative preferences for intrinsic versus extrinsic rewards," Dr Heller added.

"However, we found that, in certain fields, one's drive or passion afforded a competitive advantage over others, even when unrelated to objective ability or talent."