Similar to the majority of other adolescents, I was taught to place my utmost effort in school because of the assumption that it would pave the way to a successful career. However, what defines a “successful” career? Is it one in which I make a substantial amount of money? Or is it one that I thoroughly enjoy and have a passion for? The possibility of obtaining a job that encompasses both qualities is highly unlikely. So which choice is best?

In theory, the effort I exert should correlate to the amount I am rewarded. However, we do not live in a perfect world and such expectations will only leave us disappointed. Therefore sprouts the fear of fruitless labor. There are instances where people have devoted their entire lives to an arduous task with the expectations of amassing a fortune, yet are left extremely disappointed.

We all desire the best for ourselves, yet are fearful of taking the steps necessary to move forward.

If the individual can’t afford to do the thing they’re passionate about, then it would be better not bet their economic life on it. A basic principle concerning how you should deal with an unknown future is that every small smart step you take should leave you alive to take the next step. The most important factor is to make sure you attend to your lower order Maslow needs of food and shelter and the like.

However, that is not to deter people from pursuing their happiness. People who have—by any objective standard—more than enough money to reconsider whether they want to continue to do things that are not making them happy, just because it’ll make them more money. More often than not, these people say, “Once I get enough money, I’ll do what I really want to do. I won’t worry about the money.” But somehow, they never get to that point. Time is finite. Don’t push aside personal desires for a distant time that may never occur.

You might, indeed, end up making money if you engage in your passion, even though you currently think you won’t. The future is unknown. Who knows what people will buy, or what you might invent after your very next act. So take those small steps. There is always the possibility of being able to pursue a career filled with joy that will also provide financially.

What will my life be like 5 years? In 1825 days? In 43800 hours? Who will I be surrounded by? Will I be content with what I have achieved? Well, for now, I can put these thoughts off to the side. Whatever my circumstances may be then, I have my life to live right now.