Is "Follow Your Passion" bad advice?

Paul Graham, founder of Y Combinator, reveals when to ignore it, and when to chase it relentlessly. 👇 "Passion alone isn’t a magic formula. " Balancing passion with practicality isn’t black and white. Sometimes following your passion makes sense; other times, it doesn’t. The key is understanding when to pursue it and when to prioritize stability. "If you love it and it pays, you’re in luck. " You don’t always have to choose between interest and income. If your passion aligns with what people pay for, go for it! Unique skills that fulfill both are rare and highly valuable. "The rarer your interest, the higher the reward." If you love something few others do, and it’s profitable, you’ve hit gold. For example, Bill Gates didn’t just enjoy programming; he loved creating software for customers, a rare and lucrative passion. "Big success often starts with passion projects." Many huge startups (Apple, Google, Facebook) began as side projects rooted in genuine interest. If you’re aiming big, letting passion guide you can help you spot opportunities others miss. "Uncertainty is part of the journey." If you’re unsure about what you love, don’t wait. Start exploring early. Most people struggle with self-discovery, so give yourself time to learn what truly interests you. "When in doubt, stay upwind." Choosing paths that keep options open is key. Broad skills like math or writing can adapt to many fields. This flexibility lets you pivot as you discover new passions and opportunities. "Ambition needs passion. " Doing exceptional work isn’t just about skills; it’s about curiosity and commitment. If you want to achieve greatness, passion is your best fuel—it’s tough to fake genuine interest. "Your environment matters." Choosing work you enjoy means surrounding yourself with like-minded, passionate people, which can be incredibly motivating. Choosing purely for pay can lead to an unfulfilling work culture. "Income inequality often reflects choices, not flaws." Interests differ, and so do the financial rewards tied to them. Careers in fields like software pay more than pottery. Economic inequality can often be traced to these choices. "Real passion shows up even when there’s no paycheck." A true test for passion? Ask yourself: "Would I still do this if it paid nothing?" Many fields attract people who would do the work for free. Find what you’d do regardless of income. Passion isn’t always the answer, but it’s often a critical ingredient. Aim for what excites you, but don’t overlook practicality. But remember, truly meaningful work starts with real interest. 🤔 What are your thoughts about it?