You’re More Than Your Job: Start a Passion Project to Redefine Your Identity
To my fellow optometrists:
Get out of the exam room! (At least sometimes.)
When someone asks, “What do you do?” most professionals answer with their job title:
“I’m a doctor.”
“I’m a lawyer.”
“I’m an accountant.”
We go through years of schooling to be trained as one thing and one thing only.
But here's the problem: the very thing that defines us starts to limit us.
I, too, introduced myself as an optometrist for nearly a decade.
But now? I’m a travel optometrist, podcast host, blogger, and speaker on work happiness.
My career transformed into something that feels uniquely me – all because I started my blog passion project.
After burning out, I became a freelance optometrist and started this blog.
Shortly after, Dr. Keeling – president of NBAO – read my articles and kindly invited me to speak to fellow optometrists about well-being. This led to more speaking invitations.
Then, a colleague read my blog post and connected me with a company in Newfoundland looking for locums, and my travel optometry career began.
Was all of this part of some grand plan?
No! I just wanted to share ideas I'm passionate about.
I didn't set out for any of this — I just followed my passion, and it transformed my life in the best ways.
To all the professionals out there:
You are more than your main job.
Start a passion project and redefine both your personal and professional identity.
Your Job Is Just One Part of Your Career — Passion Project Completes the Picture
I've encountered many people who have blended their passions with their professional work:
- Dr. Rhue: Optometrist; tech entrepreneur (Contact lens ordering software platform)
- Dr. Luk: Optometrist; KOL for safe ocular cosmetics; SM influencer
- Dr. Gao: Optometrist; online store for 3D printed optometry tools
- Dr. Khamis: Optometrist; vision specialist for professional hockey teams
But what if your passion has nothing to do with your main job? Do you just give those up forever? Of course not.
I recently featured Dr. Lam in an article: "Optometrist by Day, Tattoo Artist by Night."
Because yes, you’re allowed to be both.
Passion projects bring out the creativity that gets buried in the daily grind.
Your Job Title Isn’t the Whole Story
Our job title boxes us in.
Over time:
We stop exploring.
We stop growing.
We stop being curious.
But here’s the truth:
You can be so much more than just your main job.
Starting a passion project helps you:
- Live your legacy now
- Feel more alive, creative, and happy (which also enhances your main work too)
- Prevent burnout
- Attract new opportunities/collaborations
"I Don't Know What My Passion Is..."
Unsure what your passion project is? That’s okay!
Start by asking:
What makes me lose track of time?
What problem could I spend hours solving?
What do people often ask me for help with?
Write one post. Record a 60-second video. Build a tiny thing just for fun.
The key is to start — and keep showing up.
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it.” — Howard Thurman
You Already Have What It Takes
If you made it through professional school, you already have many transferable skills/traits:
- Adaptable
- Perform under pressure
- Discipline
- Problem-solving
- Empathy
Start a creative passion project that helps others.
Your anti-goal:
Don’t worry about monetizing! That's the quickest way to kill the joy. (That said, people are drawn to passion. Great opportunities will find you regardless!)
Don't Wait For a Perfect Time. Start Where You Are.
You are more than your main job.
Start a passion project — and redefine your personal and professional identity.
Let your career reflect not just what you studied, but who you are.
Next Steps
A deepdive into designing your unique career:
Fred H Cho
Key mindsets to start your passion project:
Fred H Cho
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