In Part 1, we defined calling as a deep passion that helps others and explored why it’s worth pursuing.

In this second part, we’ll examine how to move forward without quitting your job or taking huge risks.

That Sounds Great, But I Can't...

You might be thinking:

• "What if my passion doesn’t pay the bills?"
• "I don’t see how my passion can turn into a career."
• "What if I pick the wrong thing and waste years?"

Here’s a solution:

Start a portfolio career.

In his book The Empty Raincoat, Charles Handy described a portfolio career as a combination of paid and unpaid roles, rather than one full-time job.

• Keep your main job that pays the bills
• Seriously pursue a passion project on the side

This gives you total creative freedom, not limited by what makes money or what seems "realistic".

By focusing on a few key pursuits, you'll create a career (and life) that feels meaningful and uniquely yours.

Many people find their calling through a portfolio career. Let me demonstrate this concept in action with my own career.

Getting Closer To My Calling

Last year, I quit my full-time job and started my blog. I didn’t have a clear goal for the blog – only that I loved sharing ideas with like-minded people.

Since then, my writing has helped me connect with thought leaders and inspirational people. I’ve also given talks to fellow optometrists about work-life satisfaction and was a panelist at Ryerson University’s "Building Your Dream Job" seminar.

I still enjoy optometry, especially in rural towns that need help. But embracing a portfolio career has allowed me to explore other interests such as writing and speaking.

I still don't know my calling. But I can tell you this with confidence:

Exploring deep passions that help others (in my case, writing & speaking on work happiness) has transformed my career.

My work life is happier, and I feel a lot closer to finding my calling than ever before.

Key Takeaways

1) Calling is a deep passion that also helps others.

2) You don't need to know your calling right away. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, and it doesn't mean you should give up on finding it.

3) Build a portfolio career that reflects your passions and strengths.

Action brings clarity.

We often think of a calling as something that comes to us, but more often, it's something we uncover by doing.

So take the first step. Be creative. Follow your inner voice and keep moving.

Each step will bring you closer to the career of your dreams.

⭐ I love sharing ideas about work-life happiness. Let's connect! ⭐

✉️ Email
🟦 LinkedIn