Why ‘Follow Your Passion’ Is Bad Career Advice for Christians (and Anyone Else)

In this piece, we'll explore alternatives to the 'follow your passion' piece of advice, aiming to help you build a meaningful career and make a real impact where your skills matter the most.

Be sure to read through to the end, where we'll share expert Christian career advice on how to walk the path God has set before you.

The Myth of Following Your Passion

• Am I stuck in an unfulfilling job?

• Should I be looking for more meaningful work?

• How does my Christian faith fit into my career?

The truth is that most people have asked themselves one or more of these questions (if not all) at some point in their lives.

Students, for example, often find themselves lost because they don't know what to do after graduating from university. They're often told to 'follow your passion' when choosing a career. This can create more confusion, adding to the challenges of being a student.

But why do we hear this piece of advice so often?

A common argument is that passion can:

• Fuel your motivation

• Drive excellence

• Even inspire others

However, the idea that pursuing your passion guarantees success is more of a myth than a reality.

Relying solely on passion can lead to burnout and decreased motivation over time.

Instead, motivation can come from external sources, such as financial stability but also the desire to serve God or a sense of calling, rather than passion alone.

Besides, many individuals have achieved excellence through discipline and hard work, despite lacking a strong passion for their pursuits.

Is it unrealistic to follow your passion?

Your passions can change over time.

In fact, pursuing your passion is unreliable and unsustainable. What excites you today may not be the same in five or ten years.

Besides, research shows that we're definitely not excelling at predicting what will make us genuinely happy in the future.

Realistically speaking, determining your career based on passion alone can lead to frustration in the long run.

• Why has this become more of a chore?

• Am I stuck doing a job that doesn’t inspire me anymore?

• How do I keep going now that my passion feels like it’s running dry?

Sometimes our passion fades or simply does not translate into a sustainable career.

God may lead people in directions they never expected. Instead of following fleeting passions, seeking purpose through faith and service can lead to a more fulfilling career.

Is it worth pursuing your passion?

After all is said and done, is following your passion really the key to an impactful career?

While this piece of advice most often comes from a place of care, it can do more damage than good.

As followers of Christ, especially, we see our work as a means to serve and glorify God, not just a path to personal enjoyment.

Jesus Himself came “not to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). A career choice should reflect what you can do best to serve God rather than just what excites you.

If you're an avid internet user like myself, you might have come across motivational speakers and influencers selling you the idea of pursuing your passion to become the best version of yourself.

Sadly, the self-improvement industry (projected worth of USD 45.7 billion in 2024) is capitalizing on the paradox of self-development. The advice to follow your passion is fueling this industry, making a profit off young, hopeful adults struggling to create meaning in their careers and lives.

Ultimately, if you’re just thinking about your own good and satisfaction, you’ll be left feeling empty, always seeking more.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters[...]” (Colossians 3:23)

Christian Career Advice: What To Do Instead?

Generally speaking, when people feel their job contributes to something bigger than themselves, whether that’s solving critical problems of global significance or fulfilling a calling, they find that deeper motivation.

Many people are motivated by the sense that their work matters. This is especially true for us Christians, who see work as a way to serve God.

As followers of Jesus, we are driven by the desire to make a difference in God's name. Whether through leadership, teaching, or serving, we are motivated when we see the tangible results of their efforts in solving problems.

Of course, God often gives us desires and interests that align with the work He wants us to do. Paying attention to what energizes you can help guide your career decisions. Pray, listen, and follow the plan God has for you through your ambitions, work, and relationships.

Rather than blindly pursuing a passion, align your abilities and interests with your calling. To do so, ask yourself these questions:

✅ Does my work provide purpose and impact?

✅ Do my choices align with my values and faith?

✅ How can I glorify God in my career?

Whether you're freshly graduated from high school, planning to return to your studies, or continuing your education, pray these 5 things before choosing your degree or major.

No matter where you are in your journey, whether you’ve been working for a while now and are looking for a change or you’re just starting out, you may benefit from reading The Christian Guide to an Impactful Career.

What You Should Focus On Next

Christians everywhere are working to understand their God-given purpose and how to have an impact through their career.

Unfortunately, most of us, we lack the connections, mentors, and guidance to learn how to have an impact through our careers.

Christians For Impact helps ambitious, young Christians find jobs and plan a career that tackles pressing global problems.

Wondering how you, too, can pursue a meaningful career as a Christian?

Explore the 8 problem profiles today and find out how you can contribute in each area to make a difference for God’s Kingdom.