How To Explore Your Passions While Working A Full-Time Job?

Feeling stuck in a career rut? Don't worry, you're not alone. It's normal to feel like you're not doing what you're meant to be doing, especially if you've been in the same job for a long time.

Just because you're not actively pursuing your passions doesn't mean you can't find ways to do so while still working full-time.

Here are 10 creative ways to explore your passions while holding down a job.

10 Ways to Explore Your Passions While Working A Full-Time Job

1. Keep a journal

Journaling is a great way to process your thoughts and feelings, and it can also help you clarify your goals and figure out what you want to do next. 

So, set aside some time each day to write about your passions. What are they? What excites you? What would you like to learn more about? The answers to these questions can help point you in the right direction when it comes to exploring your passions further.

2. Attend events and workshops related to your interests

No matter what your passion is, chances are there are events and workshops related to it that you can attend in person. These events can be excellent opportunities to learn new things and network with others who share your interests. To find events near you, try searching online or checking out local listings (e.g., in the arts section of newspapers or websites).

3. Sign up for classes or courses related to your passions

Similar to attending workshops and events, taking classes or courses related to your passions is a great way to learn new things while also meeting other people with similar interests. You can usually find classes and courses at community colleges, universities, adult education centers, hobby shops, or even online.

4. Go on field trips related to your passions

If taking classes or attending events isn't possible for you at the moment, another option is to go on field trips related to your passions instead. In a full-time job, you can get many types of Paid Time Off (PTO days. 

Take an advantage of PTO days and visit places related to your interests. Every employer gets 4-5 types of paid holidays, so you can also use those days to visit new places.

For example, if you're passionate about history, you could visit a local museum or historical site. Or, if you love nature, you could go on a hike or take a trip to the beach.

5. Read books about your interests

If you're not sure where to start when it comes to exploring your passions, reading can be a great way to get some ideas. There are books on just about every topic imaginable, so no matter what your interests are, there's sure to be something out there that piques your curiosity. 

Check out the nonfiction section of your local bookstore or library, or do a quick search online for books about your passions.

Dedicate 15 minutes each day to pursuing your passion. This could be reading articles or books related to your passion, listening to podcasts, watching videos, or anything else that will help you learn more about it.

6. Join an online community

There are online communities for just about everything these days, so if you're looking for some support as you explore your passions, consider joining one (or several). 

These communities can provide valuable resources, advice, and motivation, and they're also great places to meet like-minded people who can serve as mentors or even collaborators down the road.

7. Take advantage of lunch breaks

Use your lunch break to pursue your passion. If you have an hour for lunch, use 30 minutes for eating and the other 30 minutes for exploring your passion.

8. Find a mentor

Find someone who is already doing what you want to do and ask them if they would be willing to mentor you. This is a great way to learn more about your chosen field and get some guidance from someone who knows what they're doing.

9. Get a part-time job in your field of interest

If you can't find a mentor, another option is to get a part-time job in the field that interests you. This will give you a chance to learn more about what the day-to-day work is like and whether or not it's something you could see yourself doing full-time.

10. Start (or join) a club or meetup group related to one of your passions

Clubs and meetup groups provide yet another way for like-minded people with shared interests to get together and explore their passions. To find clubs/meetups near you that relate to your interests, try searching online or checking out local listings (e.g., in the arts section of newspapers or websites).

11. Volunteer for an organization related to one of your passions

If you're looking for a way to give back while also exploring your passions, consider volunteering for an organization related to one of them. For example, if you're passionate about animal welfare, you could volunteer at a local shelter or rescue organization. Or if you're interested in the environment, you could volunteer for a local park or nature preserve.

12. Do some freelance work related to one of your passions.

Freelancing provides an opportunity to explore your passions without having to commit to making it your full-time job. The best part is that you can typically do this type of work from home in your own time.

Conclusion

There are of course other activities you may need to complete depending on what your passion is. For example, if you’re passionate about knitting, you may need some baling twine. Know what you’ll need to explore your passions, and actually get it. You have no reason not to.

Following your passions can lead you to amazing places—both literally and figuratively speaking— but it can be hard to find the time when you're working a full-time job. 

By carving out even just 15 minutes each day to pursue your passions, you can start making progress toward exploring them in greater depth. Don't let a busy lifestyle stop you from living your dream life. Pursue your passions with vigor and see where they take you.