The worst advice for a fresh graduate

Finding a career calling is rarely love at first sight. Just like finding a good relationship, for most of us, finding a suitable job requires trying out several different ones, akin to "dating." Research conducted at Stanford University suggests that "follow your passion" is the worst advice you can give to a fresh graduate.

Why is chasing "passion" usually irrelevant in the professional world?

The major issue with chasing passion is that many people, especially young ones, do not have a clearly defined field they definitely want to pursue. The lack of direction can cause confusion and pressure to find that one right path. If you don't know what your calling is, the pressure to find it can be overwhelming, leading to inaction as you keep evaluating and searching for your direction.

The Hollywood-inspired idea that "you can be whoever you want to be" can also be naive and misleading. In reality, you can only achieve success in a field where you are naturally skilled and where there is demand for your abilities. Not everyone can become astronauts, professional poker players, neurosurgeons, or concert pianists, as these professions require specific skills, long-term commitment, and intensive training, which passion alone cannot fulfill. Consistently "listening to your heart" can easily lead to a dead end, as it causes you to miss discovering skills and fields where you might succeed.

Additionally, "following your passion" can lead to hasty decisions, such as quitting a job at the first sign of dissatisfaction. Experts recommend evaluating your job and satisfaction only on good days, rather than making rash decisions during tough times.

Passion for a career can also be over-romanticized

Like relationships, finding the right career might require trying out several jobs. Passion for a career is rarely love at first sight—it often develops over time as you acquire skills and experience. This analogy helps understand that it is normal to take time to find a career that suits you.

How to find your calling?

Instead of looking for the perfect job that fits your current interests and skills like a glove, focus on roles where you can learn and experience the most. The more passionate you are about learning and self-improvement, the more resilient you will be to challenges.

The most practical approach is to develop your calling over time. We should not see it as something to chase but rather something to cultivate. By exploring different fields and gaining experience in various areas, you can discover new passions and build a fulfilling career. This perspective shifts the focus from finding an existing passion to developing one through experiences and learning.

Maintain a realistic perspective

Not everyone finds their dream job, and that's okay. Oprah Winfrey has said that a person's goal should be to become so skilled and excellent at what they do that their talent cannot be ignored. This encourages us to develop ourselves, which can lead to satisfaction and success, even if the job itself is not always ideal.

While passion can be an important part of a fulfilling career, it is not the only factor to endlessly pursue. Developing skills, gaining diverse experiences, and maintaining a realistic perspective can bring greater satisfaction and success in the long run.

So whatever you do after graduation, don't just listen to your heart! Why? Because it might prevent you from discovering areas where you could excel!