For the most part, the decision to pursue a job that you are passionate about, or the one that pays heavily, is entirely based on an individual. For many, following their passion doesn’t always translate into a high-paying job. So what’s the formula for loving what you do and making ends meet? Various reports indicate that it is a matter that largely depends on the situation a person is in, as well as the feasibility of the career that they are passionate about. While there is no doubt that this is a question of opportunity, following one’s passion has for long seemed more appealing to most. However, there is a need to know what to prioritise and when. James Ndekezi, a young entrepreneur, is of the view that options can be a win-win for all. He says, “Study options closely and decide based on facts not feelings. At the end of the day, the most important thing is your well-being and happiness.” Ndekezi, who is also the co-founder of Kwaanda Lab, a local company that was founded to provide societal solutions using technology, believes that it’s not as simple as it sounds to make such a big decision for the path one wants to follow. According to Rose Mutoni, young employees should consider the earning potential of their field of interest before committing themselves. “It is possible that your passion has great pay on the ‘menu’ as well. However, you can also opt to pursue something different from your passion if it keeps you from life’s necessities,” Mutoni says. She adds, “Here, you can treat it as a hobby, attending to it in your free time but not as an income-generating source.” In contrast, she asserts, the other most crucial element in your decision-making process is knowing what you want in life. Ndekezi says that sometimes one can do both. He says that this is particularly feasible if the work a person is passionate about pays them enough money. “Sometimes as a worker you may get lucky and make money off of a passion that you thought will take you nowhere. Or you happen to pick an interesting job that you didn’t feel strongly about at first,” Ndekezi says. Mutoni notes that choosing between the field you are passionate about and the one that will pay your bills can sometimes send you into a spiral of thoughts that is hard to get out of. But, she understands that it is a significant decision that will follow you for the most part of your life. “To be able to choose effectively, it is important to look into all the advantages and disadvantages that come with either one of the possibilities. From money and stability to happiness and fulfilment, these all play a role,” Mutoni adds.
