I have shared a maxim in my workshops and coaching for years: The marketplace doesn’t pay for passion, it pays for talent.

Whether I am coaching a college student trying to find a major that “fits”, or a Baby Boomer on finding their “dream job”, it never ceases to capture my attention how deeply THE myth has captured the minds of so many. The myth: follow your passion, and the money will follow. Actually, passion can help you think about “where” to focus your time, money and energy, but it doesn’t answer the “what” you will do when you get around your passion. The “what” is your core talents and strengths. Identify your innate talents and develop those talents with discipline and focus. Then, if you are able, use those developed talents in an area of passion.

Watch as Mike Rowe, host of Dirty Jobs, gives his take on the danger of following your passion.