The Passion vs Paycheck Dilemma
Why I’m refusing to choose (and 4 things I’m doing instead)
Ever feel like you’re constantly pulled in two directions?
Like the kid in Willy Wonka who can’t decide between a lifetime supply of chocolate or a golden ticket to a world of pure imagination? That’s the perpetual tug-of-war between passion and a paycheck. The “practical” path vs. the “fulfilling” one.
Let me tell you a little secret: I refuse to choose and I think you should, too!
A Natural-born creative, with a practical upbringing
I’ve always been a creative, a daydreamer, a lover of possibilities. But growing up, my dad constantly told me to “get my head out of the clouds.”
Those who couldn’t understand my “multipotentiality” — my tendency to have many different interests — saw life as an either/or proposition and they insisted that I see things their way, too.
This created an internal conflict— a deep desire to express my passion for learning and exploring my curiosities versus the pressure to conform to expectations. I sacrificed my creative spirit for a “sensible” career, and a little bit of me died each day.
Then a little book changed everything
One day, the tables turned. Someone recommended a book called “Refuse to Choose!” by Barbara Sher. It was like a lifeline thrown to me as I was drowning. This book gave language to my tendency to be interested in seemingly unrelated things and explained why I was constantly adding to that list of interests.
The book introduced me to a concept called the “Cyclical Scanner.” This means I cycle through different interests with intense focus, often returning to previous passions with fresh eyes and deeper understanding. Suddenly, my seemingly scattered interests made sense. I wasn’t flawed; I was wired for exploration.
My winding path of passion and paychecks
This revelation explained my winding path. I started out as a Psychology major in undergrad then switch majors sophomore year to theatre because I fell in love with playwriting, only to switch it again to management and leadership.
From there I went to graduate school and majored in Instructional Design and Technology with a minor in Training and Performance Improvement all the while taking courses on web development and graphic design with Skillcrush on the side.
Now, I am pursuing a second masters in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (1 class left) and as I was taking classes, I completed a workshop facilitation training program. (I couldn’t help myself!)
It sounds chaotic, right? But for me, it is exhilarating.
Coming to realize that this is how I’m wired, I began to extend myself self-acceptance and compassion, rather than self-criticism for not being like others.
4 Things I’m Doing Instead of Choosing
Recognizing my scanner identity was empowering, but it also raised new questions:
How could I build a career that honored my diverse interests?
How could I create a life where passion and a paycheck weren’t mutually exclusive?
Here are four strategies I’m using to navigate this dilemma:
Permission to Explore: I’ve given myself permission to follow my curiosity wherever it leads. Whether it’s a new hobby, a course, or a career shift, I’m embracing and enjoying the journey of learning.
Embrace the Portfolio Career: While in my traditional job, I’m building a portfolio career. This involves combining multiple income streams — writing, consulting, creating online courses, and even dabbling in other creative projects. This allows me to combine my passions in unique ways and create a career that’s truly my own.
Skill Stacking: I’m constantly learning new skills that complement my existing ones. This not only makes me more valuable in the marketplace but also keeps my mind engaged and my curiosity sparked.
Celebrating Small Wins: Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. Whether it’s completing a project, learning a new skill, or simply making time for my passions, I’m celebrating my progress.
I won’t pretend that any of this is easy. There are still days when self-doubt creeps in, or I feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options I have. But by embracing my multipotentiality and actively working to integrate my passions into my work by focusing on solving specific problems, I’m creating a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.
I’m not interested in just chasing a paycheck. I want to build a career that not only fills my bank account, but fills my soul.
You Don’t Have to Choose Either
If you're feeling stuck in the passion vs. paycheck dilemma, take a deep breath. I want you to know that it is okay to not have it all figured out. Besides, the passion vs. paycheck dilemma is a false dichotomy. You don’t have to choose one or the other. You can have both.
As the author Emilie Wapnick, a champion of multipotentialites, says,
“The world needs people who see the connections, who can bring seemingly disparate ideas and fields together in new and creative ways.”
That’s us! Find creative ways to integrate your passions into your work, even if it means starting a side hustle, taking on freelance projects, or volunteering your skills.
It’s time to rewrite the rules of the passion vs. paycheck dilemma. It’s not about finding a perfect path; it’s about creating the path that is right for you.
Are you a fellow multipotentialite?
Share your experiences in the comments ! Let’s connect and support each other.