What do you do if your passion doesn't align with your operational planning career?

2 Identify Passion

Pinpointing what you're truly passionate about is the next step. Your passion might be a hobby, a cause you care deeply about, or a completely different field. Take time to explore this interest; understand how it makes you feel and why it's important to you. By clearly defining your passion, you can better assess how it might fit into your life, whether as a career change or a pursuit outside of work hours. Remember, passion often drives motivation and creativity, which can be beneficial in any aspect of life.

3 Plan Transition

If you decide that a career change is necessary to align with your passion, begin planning the transition. Operational planning skills are incredibly transferable and can be a strong foundation for many other fields. Start by researching potential new career paths that might allow you to use these skills in a context that excites you. Network with professionals in these areas, update your resume to highlight relevant skills, and consider additional training or education if needed. A well-thought-out plan will make the transition smoother and less daunting.

4 Seek Balance

Sometimes, it's possible to find a balance between your career in operational planning and your passion. This might involve adjusting your work schedule to free up time for passion projects or finding ways to incorporate aspects of your passion into your current role. For example, if you're passionate about environmental sustainability, you could propose green initiatives within your operational planning duties. This balance allows you to maintain the security of your career while also engaging in what you love.

5 Explore Side Hustles

A side hustle can be an excellent way to pursue your passion without giving up your day job. This could be anything from starting a small business related to your interest, freelancing, or volunteering. Your operational planning skills will be invaluable in managing the logistics of a side project. This approach allows you to test the waters of your passion in a practical setting, build experience, and potentially transition it into a full-time endeavor in the future.

6 Reflect Often

Lastly, make it a habit to regularly reflect on your career and personal goals. Are you moving closer to where you want to be? Do you feel more fulfilled? If not, what adjustments can you make? Your passions may evolve over time, and that's perfectly normal. Continuous reflection ensures that you remain true to yourself and are making conscious decisions about your career and life path. It also helps you stay proactive about making changes when they feel right for you.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?