When your dream doesn't pay the bills

As a "young professional," you're just now getting started with your career path.  You're "learning the ropes."  "Finding your nitch."  And "finding yourself." 

Throughout this journey of finding our place in the workforce, the initial goal is typically to find a job along the lines of whatever degree we studied in school.  Then of course, you want to find a job doing something that you love.  As us YPers get older and become less naive, we learn what the working world is "really like" and we begin to experience more of what those older folks call "real life" -- and bills!  Then, our priorities most likely change and we are more inclined to settle for a "9 to 5," or switch careers to enter a more promising field, or after relocating for whatever reason, find the first available job.

Even when faced with the bitter taste of reality, I believe it is crucial to hold on to our passions.  We do not want to suddenly find ourselves at age 45, trying to play catch up and relive sweet memories from our youth because we suddendly denied ourselves that joy.  Even if you find yourself having to pursue a job that's more "practical," pays more, or allows you to move up the ranks faster, you don't have to ignore your dreams.  Your passions are a crucial part of who you are, so if need be, do comedy shows on the side, paint for personal pleasure, or join a local football team ... whatever.  Just remember, just because you can't pursue your dream full-time doesn't mean you have to let it go.