Mike Rowe: "Don't Follow Your Passion"

By Elizabeth Nelson

I love Mike Rowe, his last show Dirty Jobs, and even his philosophy, “Technical schools over 4-year degrees” are the way to go, because kids are coming out of school, like pedigreed dogs, with papers and a huge debt, and have nowhere to go in this economy.

Well, he caused a stink when he said that, and he’s at it again with his equally controversial, “don’t follow your passion,” on his FaceBook page, but if you dig as deep as he did on dirty jobs, and get passed the surface, you see he makes sense.

Stephen from Auburn AL was quick to comment:

“Hi, Mike. Let me begin by saying that I love what you and your foundation are attempting to do. However, I’m confused by your directive to NOT “follow your passion.”

I thinkit can be safely argued that if no one followed their passion, companies likeApple, Microsoft, Dow, and many more wouldn’t exist. If no one follows theirpassion, who innovates? Who founds companies that provide jobs for theoutstanding workers that your foundation aims to help?”

However, Mike has a reason for saying everything, and thinks before he speaks. He argues that just because America regurgitates phrases like “follow your passion” all over people’s freshly starched shirts and recently a dry cleaned dress doesn't mean it is right or a reasonable way for someone to live their life.

“Follow Your Passion,” like all bad advice, is routinely dished out as though it’s age-old wisdom were both incontrovertible and equally applicable to all. Well, wrong again, because it’s not. Just because you’re passionate about something doesn’t mean you won’t see it 

through. 

How many people are passionate about losing weight on December 31^st, and then we find these same people standing in line at the corner Krispy Crème on January 15^th? Just because you’re determined to improve doesn’t mean that you will.

Rowe goes on to point out how our passions shouldn't be our only guide through life and makes a point that society should sit up and take notice to.

“When it comes to earning a living and beinga productive member of society – I don’t think people should limit theiroptions to those vocations they feel passionate towards. I met a lot of peopleon Dirty Jobs who really loved their work. But very few of them dreamed ofhaving the career they ultimately chose.”

Mike gives an interesting take on the misleading words of encouragement A-listers and pop singers give their fans. He says these people give false hope, and that if we blindly follow what we think our passion is, it can do more harm than good.

“Every time I watchThe Oscars, I cringe when some famous movie star – trophy in hand – starts todeconstruct the secret to happiness. It’s always the same thing, and I cannever hit “mute” fast enough to escape the inevitable clichés. “Don’t give upon your dreams kids, no matter what.” “Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’thave what it takes.” And of course, “Always follow your passion!

Personal experience is always best, and in using his own personal experiences, Mike revealed that while growing up he wanted to be a tradesman like his grandfather …only to be directed elsewhere by wise words that painted a more complete picture.

“He explained that my life would be a lot more satisfying and productive if I got myself a different kind of toolbox. This was almost certainly the best advice I’ve ever received, but at the time, it was crushing. It felt contradictory to everything. I knew about persistence, and the importance of “staying the course.” It felt like quitting.

But here’sthe “dirty truth,” Stephen. “Staying the course” only makes sense if you’reheaded in a sensible direction. Because passion and persistence – whilemost often associated with success – are also essential ingredients offutility.”

Mike closes up his response to Stephen by giving a very mature way to look at passion.  My favorite line:

“Don’tFollow Your Passion, But Always Bring it With You.” Read more GlennBeck

Society often pushes us to follow our passions with common phrases like, “reach for the moon, for if you miss it you will land among the stars.” And while Mike is definitely not saying that having a passion is a bad thing, he is saying that they can have unfortunate consequences if it is our sole compass to finding our direction in life. 

Mike is right again, but with age comes wisdom. No matter how carefully you plan your goals they will never be more than pipe dreams unless you pursue them with gusto, and we all know that pipes are for moving water, dreams are for entertaining us while we sleep and a pipe dreams will get us nowhere without action, faith and drive.  Passion is just the spark that gets you out of bed in the morning, not the fuel that keeps you going.

Click Here for Rowe's post in it's entirety.