I recently made a pretty tough decision which to those on the outside may seem like a simple job change, which it is, but it is also much deeper than that.  

See, I wasn’t just deciding between what job I should do but had to choose between doing what I love and doing what I am good at.  

Most of you know, especially if you read my column on a regular basis, that writing is my passion. It is what brings me the most self-satisfaction and fulfills me to my core. BUT it doesn’t necessarily fill my bank account. Big dilemma when you’re recently divorced and have three children.  

I have consistently been able to do what I love for about three years now and for that I am so thankful. It has enabled me to meet and share stories of so many people – some that have become new friends. I have brought light to many issues in our parish and in some cases played a role in resolving a few of those, as well.  

But one downfall of doing what you love for a living is that it kind of becomes a chore unfortunately. It’s not something you do anymore for enjoyment, but it is something you must do to make ends meet. The burnout has been real.  

With that being said, I don’t know if I agree with the popular statement… “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” I call bull….. 

WORK IS WORK.  

So, I did not need to do much considering when I was offered a job that was an obvious better fit for me and my family, but it was still hard knowing I would no longer be a full-time journalist and would not have as much time to write for enjoyment either.  

But doing what you’re good at definitely has its perks, as well.  

I came across a quote this morning that said, “Talent is the unsung hero in your journey to fulfillment.” 

And here are a few reasons why I believe that to be true… 

Aside from it obviously being more lucrative, doing what you’re good at opens the door for growth. Growth is one thing we as human beings strive for on a daily basis (or at least should be striving for) and getting better at a skill is for sure fulfilling. Personally, I enjoy the process of learning and getting better at something. This also gives me further motivation to continue getting better. 

Before you know it, you’re mastering that skill, right? Which opens doors even further. But ultimately, I have found that doing something I am good at has made me all-around more successful. And you know what? Success fuels PASSION! 

When you do something well and combine it with something people also need… you’ll never be out of business. Also, it is becoming more common for people to follow their passion and that is great if it also leads to a lucrative outcome.  

When I first started college, I majored in liberal arts, and I slowly began hearing the phrase, “Major in liberal arts if you are okay with serving French fries as a living.” No offense to those that are serving French fries as a living, but it is not something I personally imagined for my future.  

All this being said, PASSION and TALENT really go hand in hand. Yes, I took this new job because it is a better fit for my family. But when you have a talent, that leads to knowledge, skill and experience. Those things will eventually lead to passion and success. Also, if you really think about it…those that are following their TALENT instead of their passion are kind of a rare breed and as a result you might be in extra high demand.

(Paige Gurgainers is a mother of three girls, and a digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal.)