Mark Luedeman is the owner and president of Mark H. Luedeman, Inc., in Beacon, New York. A custom furniture builder with decades of experience, Mr. Luedeman is a firm believer in building a career based on one’s true passions.
In modern times, it's easy for individuals to fall into an established pattern that begins with school, continues with traditional, ideally lucrative, employment, and concludes with retirement, at which point individuals are encouraged to purpose their passions and develop new hobbies. For some people, this path through life is simply unacceptable. Fortunately, there are a few tips a person can keep in mind as they try to convert their passions into a profession.
A few early steps that must be taken may seem basic, but are nonetheless very important. For instance, a person must first identify their passions before anything else. Someone who enjoys antiquing on the weekends is not necessarily destined for, or even interested in, a lifelong career in the antiquing field. Understanding the difference between a hobby and a true passion is very important.
Next, a person should make a list of possible professions related to their passion and determine the demand for the necessary skills. Individuals who enjoy creative writing, for example, must understand that gainful employment solely as a novelist is rare. Teaching creative writing, on the other hand, is a bit more realistic, while writing creative copy is a profession required by virtually all businesses. All potential career paths should be considered and thoroughly researched.
Moving forward, individuals must begin to treat their passion as they would any other profession. Important steps including creating a comprehensive business plan, revising a resume so that it highlights one’s passions rather than past work experience, and developing flexibility when it comes to relevant employment opportunities.
