Thanks to Sarah Bull for writing this wonderful guest post.
Mark Twain once said, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” As it turns out, this is partially true. If you have a passion that you’re considering turning into a full-time job, your sense of satisfaction may increase exponentially. Even so, you still need to work hard in order to turn that passion into a successful career.
If you’re looking to take this leap in your own professional life, you can use these tips to guide your journey.
Patience and Planning are Both Essential
Let’s say you want to turn your passion into a new small business. Maybe you’re a talented artist looking to sell your work online or perhaps you have a love for animals that you want to translate into a full-time pet-sitting business. Whatever your interests, there are some basic steps you will need to complete to get your idea up and running.
First, you need a business plan. Now, this doesn’t have to be a formal document. But it does help to have at least an outline of your short- and long-term business goals, as well as your plans for reaching each. You can use online examples to organize your thoughts.
As you fill out a business plan, you should also think about what sort of entity is appropriate for your business. For example, establishing an LLC or limited liability company can protect your private assets and help you take additional business tax credits. You can save yourself some time and money by filling out forms online, rather than doing so with a pricey attorney.
Even if you just want to change careers, you still need to have a plan. Just like with a business, setting goals can be very helpful. These goals should be attainable and actionable, such as earning a new degree or creating a personal brand.
Action and Accountability are Also Important
Here’s a harsh truth: unless you’re willing to take action on your professional and personal development goals, they’re really just a form of entertainment. While taking those first steps can be scary — especially when you feel like you’re unqualified — it’s so crucial to remember that every major success requires a leap of faith.
It’s also worth noting that women more often feel unqualified than men. Better known in the professional world as imposter syndrome, falling prey to these feelings can lead you to say “no” to opportunity and close the door on potential success. The trick is to turn your anxieties into strengths. Take more chances with your career and don’t be afraid to say “yes” more often!
This isn’t to say that you should become a “yes” woman — doing so will only lead to you feeling overwhelmed and burned out. The trick is to find the balance between taking risks and making sure you have enough time to take care of yourself. If something feels more like an obligation than a benefit to you, turn it down and use that time to relax or even take a trip.
Speaking of taking time off, if you plan on starting your own business, know that this can be challenging. But it’s still oh so important for your mental health! As long as you give your clients notice and have plans for continuity and emergencies, you can take vacations with zero guilt.
Taking your passion from a hobby to a full-time career does take some hard work. But if you can put in that work and dedication at the beginning, the results can also be so rewarding. After all, time tends to zoom by when you’re having fun, so even if it takes months or years to get your dream up and running, you’re bound to feel more satisfied than if you stick to a boring job.
For more insider tips on personal development, productivity, or working remotely, sign up for updates on the blog.
