When Passion Doesn't Pay The Bills

Have you pursued your dreams and passions only to find that they don’t pay the bills like you thought they would? Have you given up on your dreams because you felt like you can't do what you love and make money at the same time? Or maybe you were too fearful to even take the first step in pursuing your passions because you didn’t think it would be profitable.

When I started my kids' fashion and design blog in 2007, I didn't have the expertise to continually create good content or even market it well. But I started blogging about fashion and design anyway. I definitely didn't make money when I first started blogging, but I had a passion for doing it. I ended up taking on other jobs that made money so I could still pursue blogging on the side.

There were many times I wanted to give up and throw in the towel. I was tired of doing those other writing jobs to pay for what I loved doing! My brilliant dad once told me, "the most successful people in life are the ones that just keep going and don't give up." I did just that— I didn't give up! I outlasted a lot of other bloggers in my sphere. In this season I gained invaluable experience I still have so much room to grow, but I'm in awe of what I've learned so far. I'm so thankful I listened to my dad that day. Because of his words I went from blogging to launching a kids fashion magazine that was sold in Barnes & Noble stores. I now make money while doing what I love.

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So how do you balance passion and making money? Here are a few ways that have worked for me:

TAKE THAT FIRST STEP

Sometimes taking the first step can be the hardest in achieving your dreams. But the best time to start is now. Don't wait! If you haven't stepped out yet to pursue your passions because of crippling fear, remember the words of Joshua 1:9 (ESV) , "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

FIND WAYS TO FUND YOUR PASSION

Instead of choosing between work and what you love, why not consider making money from your work to pour into your passion. This allows you to do what you love and still make money. As Proverbs 24:27 (ESV) says, "Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house."

COLLABORATE

Reach out to successful people that you admire. I truly believe that collaboration is the key to long-term business success—it breeds innovation. Teamwork makes the dream work! In Proverbs 15:22 (ESV) it says, "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed."

MANAGE YOUR TIME WISELY

Proper time management allows you to achieve more in a shorter period. This leads to more free time, helps you focus, and lowers your stress levels, which all lead to more success. I love this quote by Jon Tyson, a pastor from New York, "This generation has dreams that are rotting in the soil of amusement." What dreams and passions do you have that are not coming to pass because of lack of time management? What ideas could you be bringing to life if you stopped binge-watching your favorite Netflix shows, searching for the top funniest Youtube videos or by merely procrastinating? Ephesians (ESV) says, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

A 2015 study published in The Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that pursuing your passion both lowers stress and contributes to greater happiness overall. Researchers found that participants who engaged in passions were 34 percent less stressed and 18 percent less sad.

Your dreams and passions have great value; keep moving toward them, even if you face hardships or setbacks. Many times when you move forward with your passions, it means starting with the very first step.

Rachelle Francey

Rachelle Francey is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of La Petite Magazine. She has specialized in the kids’ fashion industry for 11 years and has worked for influential blogs including Disney’s Babble, Mom.Me, Dotcoms for Moms, and a few leading political websites. You can follow her on Instagram and at Oceans Church.