Exploring Passion-Driven Career Paths

Gone are the days of a linear career path. Not long ago, the idea of a successful career followed a simple formula: Choose a study field > land a job > climb the ladder > retire. But today, career paths are anything but linear. More professionals are weaving between industries, blending their passions and redefining success. I went from climbing the corporate ladder as an Accountant, to taking a leap into tech and creativity — aligning my career with my passions and purpose. At school, I gravitated towards structure and logic, which led me to study accounting. It seemed like a practical and stable choice — one that promised job security and a clear trajectory. But at the same time, I craved the creativity I found through studying art, IT and photography. So I decided to pursue a double degree in business and design. While studying at uni I kickstarted my career at an accounting firm, getting a head start in the corporate world. Meanwhile on the design side, a Fine Arts assignment led me to launch my photography side hustle. I soon found myself fitting creativity into the margins of my finance career and defying the belief that Accountants couldn’t be creative. I knew I had more to give beyond a traditional corporate career, but I wasn’t sure how to blend my skills and passions in a way that felt authentic. Then came the opportunity to work at Canva. This was one of those sliding doors moments. I found my sweet spot at a company that is values-driven and where I could contribute to doing good in the world, while seamlessly merging my analytical and creative skillsets. The transition from corporate to tech was huge, but it unlocked a whole new level of growth. I now apply my financial expertise while being surrounded by creativity, innovation and a culture that encourages out-of-the-box thinking. If you’re feeling stuck or considering a career pivot, here is some advice: — Your passions matter. If you feel pulled in multiple directions, explore your intuition. Unexpected opportunities may follow. — Skills are transferable.  The analytical thinking I developed in public practice helped me thrive in tech, just as my creative background has shaped my approach to problem-solving. — Side hustles can open doors.  My photography business isn’t just a creative outlet — it has built entrepreneurial skills, connections, and confidence. — Growth happens outside your comfort zone.  The world of tech was unknown, but taking the leap led to profound learning and career development. — You don’t have to have it all figured out.  Each challenge offers learning and adds to your story. You know I love a unique personal brand! Your career doesn’t have to fit into a box — there’s value in taking the unconventional path. If you’re currently navigating a career change or thinking about one, I’d love to hear your story and help unblock your next step. Photo taken on my third day at Canva — which seems like a lifetime ago!

Choosing a career after 12th feels like standing at a giant crossroad with 10 confusing signboards🤷♀️ Everyone’s shouting directions — parents, cousins, Sharma ji, and the neighbour who once cracked NEET in 1997. So how do you actually figure out which path to take? Here are 3 powerful frameworks/models that can help students or their parents choose a career path that makes sense for them(not just society) ✅ 1. IKIGAI Model (The Japanese Secret to a Fulfilling Career) Ask yourself 4 questions: -What do I love? (Interest) -What am I good at? (Skills) -What can I be paid for? (Market) -What does the world need? (Impact) Example: A student I mentored loved designing, was great at storytelling, and didn’t want a traditional desk job. Instead of engineering, she explored UI/UX design. 3 years later, she’s working at a design agency and building her own digital art page on the side. ✅ 2. Career Triangle:Passion – Potential – Practicality Don’t just chase passion blindly. Check if your interest, your aptitude, and the industry demand align. -Passion: Do you enjoy doing this? -Potential: Do you have the skill or willingness to learn? -Practicality: Will this pay your bills and grow in the future? Example A commerce student wanted to become a musician full-time. But she also loved marketing and storytelling. She found a sweet spot in music marketing – she now works with music labels promoting indie artists! How cool right? ✅ 3.The 3C Filter: Clarity – Curiosity – Coaches This is more process-oriented for those still exploring. Clarity- Start with a broad idea (e.g., "I want to work with people" or "I like solving problems"). Curiosity- Intern, shadow, take short courses to test waters. Coaches- Talk to seniors, professionals, career coaches who’ve walked the path. Example: A student I know thought she wanted to do law. After interning under a lawyer and taking a MOOC in psychology, she realised it wasn’t for her. She’s now studying psychology and plans to become a behavioural therapist. Career clarity doesn’t come overnight. It’s a mix of self-awareness, experimentation, and conversations. And it’s okay to not have it all figured out by 18. Instead of following the noise, choose a method that works for YOU. Your career is not a race. It’s a journey of alignment. Would you add another framework to this list? #CareerAdvice #CareerClarity #CareerFrameworks #Ikigai #Careercoach #dhairyadecodes

It’s graduation season, and I’ve been reflecting on the lessons I wish I’d learned sooner, so I can share them with new grads. Here’s the first one: Passion is necessary, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Too often, we hear “follow your passion,” as if passion alone guarantees success or fulfillment over the course of your career. In reality, you have to consider passion alongside four other critical factors: Your unique assets (What skills, experiences, or perspectives do you bring to the table AND where do you have a genuine advantage over others? Market realities (What problems are people willing to pay to solve? Which industries are growing, and which are shrinking?) Supply & demand (Is there real demand for what you want to offer?) Timeliness fit (Ask yourself: will this path sustain your interests, values, and well-being? Is it going to position you to have a next step in the area you want to explore next?) Hopefully, this is helpful to those of you thinking about what’s next in life, from someone who has been there…just a short time ago.

I’ve coached thousands of job seekers who felt lost and overwhelmed. Here are the 10 steps we start with to find the right path: 1. Your #1 Priority Clarity should be the first thing you invest in. It makes career success SO much easier (at every stage). When you have clarity, you can invest 100% of your energy into that goal. So before you start applying to jobs or grad school? Find your path. 2. The Myth Of “Passion” People think passion is a lightning bolt that suddenly hits you. One day you wake up knowing what you're supposed to do. That's BS. Passion stems from action. It's the result of trying new things. If you want to find your path? You need to act. 3. Map Out Your Ideal Lifestyle Career happiness doesn't come from a job title. It stems from the ability to meet your lifestyle needs: – Target salary – Ideal living situation – Surrounded by people you love – Work that fills your cup Start by defining all of these things. 4. Label Your Energy Next, grab a piece of paper. Make two columns: 1. Energy Creators 2. Energy Drainers Now list out every single activity, task, and project you've worked on. Label each as a creator or drainer. Your career path should be filled with energy creators. 5. Clarify Your Strengths Success is easier when your path plays to natural strengths. I recommend the High 5 Test. It's a 15 minute quiz that will define your top strengths. It'll tell you what each means and how to harness it. Talent: A natural way of thinking, feeling, behaving × Investment: Time spent practicing, developing your skills, or building a knowledge base = Strength: The ability to consistently provide near-perfect performance 6. Find People Doing "Cool" Stuff Now you've created clarity around your strengths, energy, and ideal lifestyle. Next, I want you to find people already living that life. Who has a job you admire? What jobs have seemed “cool” to you in the past? Make a list of 30+ contacts. 7. Reach Out & Learn Make a daily habit of reaching out to one person. Be honest about your situation and desire for clarity. Then make sure to build up their achievements and mention why you admire them. Here's the email template I used when I was on this journey: The Winning Template: Subject: Quick Question  Hi [Name], My name is [Your Name] and I came across your information on LinkedIn while I was looking for people who transitioned into [Industry/Field] from a non-traditional background. Your background is really impressive! I saw you do different fields and [Industry/Field] really piqued my interest. If you have a few minutes, I’d love to hear more about your journey and how you landed in your role today. I know that’s a big ask so no worries if it’s too much. I totally understand. Either way, hope you have a great rest of the week!  

🏢 Architects: The world is changing, and so are we. It's time to embrace the portfolio career - a diverse career path that allows you to pursue multiple passions and roles. We've been taught to limit ourselves to a single job title or career trajectory. But in today's dynamic landscape, we can leverage our multifaceted skills and interests to thrive in various domains. Your career can be a rich tapestry of pursuits that fulfill you in different ways. Side gigs, freelance work, and passion projects don't have to mirror your day-to-day role directly. I've written for blogs, contributed to publications, advised startups, taught workshops, and actively participated in my professional association. These diverse experiences have expanded my horizons and allowed me to grow in ways that a traditional career may not have. For example, writing for industry blogs has honed my communication skills and allowed me to share my expertise. Advising early-stage companies has challenged me to think strategically and provide creative solutions. Teaching workshops have enabled me to share my knowledge while continuously learning from others. Each of these endeavors taps into a different aspect of my identity as an architect. They allow me to explore complementary interests, build new skills, and create a more dynamic, meaningful career. Let's redefine what a fulfilling career looks like. 🌱 What complementary skills, interests, or projects are you eager to explore beyond your primary job? Embracing a portfolio approach can unlock new dimensions of growth and meaning. By diversifying your pursuits, you can unlock new avenues for impact, innovation, and personal fulfillment. A portfolio career empowers you to be more than just one role—it enables you to be the multidimensional, adaptable professional that today's world demands. _____________________ Hi, 👋🏻 I'm Evelyn Lee, FAIA | NOMA I've been on the client side for over a decade and have spent the last five years in tech, helping create exceptional employee experiences while growing the business. Now, I help architects: ⇒ Think Differently ⇒ Redefine Processes ⇒ Create Opportunities

Choosing a career can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. But finding the right path doesn’t have to be daunting. It’s all about taking intentional steps toward understanding what truly aligns with your passions and skills. Here’s how you can start exploring and clarifying your career goals:  Self-Assessment: Identify your strengths, interests, and values. Use personality assessments or career quizzes to guide you. 🟣 Research & Exploration: Dive into different industries. Attend career fairs, network, or try internships to discover what excites you. 🟣 Set SMART Goals: Create specific, measurable, and achievable goals to guide your career journey. 🟣 Stay Open to Change: Be flexible and embrace new opportunities as your career path evolves. 💡 Pro Tip: Keep a career journal where you jot down your thoughts, experiences, and reflections as you explore. This will help you track your progress and notice patterns that can guide your decision-making process. Clarity in your career isn’t about having all the answers right away—it’s about staying curious, being proactive, and giving yourself the freedom to explore. 🔗 Question: What’s one step you’re taking to explore your career options? Share your journey below! 👇

Something missing in your daily grind? That spark, that drive? Finding your passion isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s the key to a fulfilling and impactful life. Passion fuels our drive, shapes our careers, and makes life exciting. It’s what keeps us going, even when things get tough. But how do you find it? 🧠 HEAD: Evaluate your skills, experiences, and choices. 🔹What am I good at? 🔹What can I achieve? 🔹What opportunities are out there for me? 💓HEART: Connect with your emotions and desires. 🔹What makes me feel alive? 🔹What activities make me lose track of time? 🔹What would I do even if I weren’t paid for it? 💡GUT: Listen to your intuition. 🔹What makes me excited, happy, or fulfilled? 🔹What does my intuition tell me about this path? 🔹Do I feel a sense of peace or excitement about this choice? Combining these perspectives creates a roadmap to finding your passion. Your head provides clarity, your heart offers joy, and your gut ensures authenticity. -----The Impact of Having a Clear Passion----- ✅Greater Resilience ✅Increased Motivation ✅Enhanced Performance ✅Fulfillment and Happiness Remember, finding your passion is a journey, not a destination. It may take time and multiple attempts, but the search is worth it. Align your life with your passion for a deeper sense of purpose and satisfaction. It’s about living a life that feels right. PS: What's your passion? Share below.

Happy Friday! It’s time to bring you the newest insight from my Beyond the Status Quo series, dedicated to helping young professionals thrive in their careers. Last week, we explored how passion alone isn’t enough. This week, we’re focusing on a related but equally crucial concept: Do What You Love. Too often, young people cave to social pressures from parents or peers, opting for careers in fields like Business or Medicine simply because they're seen as lucrative or in demand. So, how can a young person discover their true professional calling? The answer, I believe, is simple: explore a variety of industries and roles, especially early in your career. Start with part-time positions in sectors like restaurants or retail as soon as it’s legally allowed, typically around 15 or 16 years old in many states. Summer internships are invaluable for college students and should be a top priority. Getting a job on campus during the semester teaches financial independence and provides valuable experience. Quite often it’s even more helpful and insightful to do a job that one doesn’t like and endure it for a limited period. It helps to truly understand what kind of job you don’t want to do ever gain. Disliking a particular job and field can serve as a powerful catalyst for self-discovery, pushing you to find what fields you genuinely enjoy. Few 18-year-olds truly know what they want to pursue professionally, so I strongly advocate for taking a gap year after high school. My advice? Embrace variety, try new things, and resist societal pressures that steer you toward popular or "future-proof" fields too early. By doing so, you can find your own path and discover your true passions. Remember, your life is yours, and only you can determine its direction. Through exploration and introspection, you’ll discover your true passions and strengths. This self-discovery is the key to starting a fulfilling and enjoyable professional journey. Join the conversation: Have you taken a gap year to find your passion? Have you found a job you truly love? How did you achieve that? Share your stories in the comments below! And please visit our site at www.beyondthestatus.com Don’t miss next week’s insight, where we explain that it’s Okay to Zig-Zag.

Is passion enough to build the career of your dreams? From architecture to UX to innovation strategy, my not so linear journey taught me this: passion is a spark, but intention, direction, and a plan are the fuel. Here’s what I learnt along the way. 👇 Each shift in my career journey felt like starting over. But it also opened doors I never knew existed, leading me to opportunities at global companies. Looking back, I realize passion alone wasn't enough. It needs intention, direction and a plan, even if that plan changes along the way. I could’ve failed miserably if I hadn’t planned for things happening at that moment. These are the things I wish someone had told my younger self about following your passion. If you’re in your 20s, starting out in a career you’re passionate about, following these things would help you.  - Start with what excites you, but pair it with practical steps and back-up plans. - Build your skills in multiple related areas. My design background helped in every role, from buildings to user experiences to innovation strategy. - “When fishermen cannot go to sea, they repair nets.” This quote reaffirms that there’s always something you can do, even when it’s not what you may consider to be your main job. There are plenty of tasks related and essential to the success of your main job. - Find mentors who've walked similar paths. They won't give you a roadmap, but they'll help you avoid the biggest pitfalls. - Most importantly, stay curious beyond your core passion. The best opportunities often lie at the intersection of what you love and what the world needs. Your path might not be straight, but each turn can lead to something meaningful. Just make sure you're learning while exploring. What’s your passion? #career #passion