When I left university at 21, my first goal was to be employed. I had this morbid fear of being unemployed and it guided my career choices. One of which was to study Information Technology (IT) instead of Communications for my master’s degree.

At the time, I had no keen interest in IT, but I had even less interest in being unemployed. Once I found out IT jobs paid well and were in demand, I took my chances, and topped up my Economics degree, and before I finished my IT course, I had secured a job.

When I was employed, my second goal was a financial target by the time I was 25. To be a financially responsible adult. To pay my share of bills and gain some level of financial freedom. To afford some simple pleasures, like a car and a holiday, while puting away at least £500 worth of savings every month.

By 23, I had met my financial goal and by 26, I quit my job to embark on a journey of self discovery. I took almost 2 years off employment, trying out my passions, exploring and experimenting.

Over time, I have learned that a career should provide you with 3 things.

1. Growth
2. Financial stability
3. Fulfilment

In what order? While all components are important, when you are young, growth and financial stability are key, and most people will achieve those through employment.

While any job is better than none, a job that has growth prospects is good, and if it pays well, even better, and if you love it, that’s best.

Notwitstanding, aim to earn a decent living by your fifth year of working. And how do you get a decent job? You follow the market. The pure economics of demand and supply.

You put your passion aside, and focus on being talented by gaining in-demand skills and solving important problems. Problems people are prepared to pay for.

Because unless you are in the top 1% of your passion, you are likely to end up unemployed in a crowded job market. Focus on learning first and earning next, leave passion for those who have financial insurance like family fortunes and savings.

There is a place for meaningful work and passion, but not at the expense of growth and financial stability. Money gives you options and with options, you will get the opportunity to follow your passion..Your passion need not be your number 1 priority early on. It will be at some point, after you have learned, earned and mastered skills.

Your thoughts?

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