Common career advice for young people and for people looking to make a change often centers around the idea of “Do what you love.”
In an article about life purpose, motivation and productivity, author and blogger Mark Manson wrote about one major problem with that. “Who says you need to make money doing what you love?,” he asks. “Since when does everyone feel entitled to love every second of their job? What is so wrong with working an okay, normal job with some cool people you like and then pursuing your passion in your free time on the side?”
It’s a valid point. The trouble with “doing what you love” for work can be the reality that every job has parts that just aren’t fun. That’s why people get paid to work.
It’s probably fair to say that even people who love their jobs very much don’t love every single second. It’s also probably fair to say that many people prefer to keep their non-work interests or hobbies separate so they can be enjoyed as a break or even as an escape from work.
Ideally you want work you enjoy that pays competitively where you feel like you’re making a difference. But what if you don’t have any solid idea of what you want to do?
That’s very common. Some people get worried when they don’t have something to pursue that they “love” or are “passionate about.” What’s their next best step?
The good news is that you don’t have to have things figured out and you don’t have to have a plan. You get to keep looking around. You even get to keep changing your mind.
If you ask others, usually people will tell you how they did it and give you advice which may be helpful for you, or not.
A dependable next step: If you don’t know what you want to do next, do a good job at what’s right in front of you. Do the very best you can and look for any other positive, proactive steps you can take.
If you’re still in college, decide to view it as “your job” right now to go to college. Take advantage of the educational, extracurricular and social opportunities you have. Show up strong.
If you’re working, do your best at your job. Do a little more than necessary – show some extra initiative. Make every effort to develop a reputation for being a helpful, positive team person. Because you never know who’s observing you and possibly thinking of recommending you for different, better job. It will always serve you to develop good professional and personal habits. Doing that is free.
Another thing you can do when you really don’t know what to do next is to keep an eye out for a spark of interest where you notice something you like doing and you find yourself saying to yourself, “I like this. I want to be good at this.”
It is possible to latch onto something this way that suits your talents and interests very well. Millions of people have done it.
It’s not about living to work – getting everything from school or a job. It’s not about working to live – struggling all the time. It’s about looking for a way to work while having a life that’s about who you are and how you are. It is possible to find that balance, and it’s worth it too.
From the “Smart About Money” Canton Citizen column published on July 09 2026.
Nick Maffeo is the President & CEO of Canton Co-operative Bank – right next to the Post Office – in Canton.
Have a question? Email to info@cantoncoopbank.com.