“Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life,” they said.
Well, they lied.
When I traded my spreadsheet for a guitar and became a music therapist, I learned that turning your passion into a career is more like a rollercoaster ride than a smooth sail.
But here’s why I’d still choose this wild ride every single time…
My Journey of Turning Passion Into Career
I’m an accountant-turned music therapist.
This is my 4th year turning my passion of music and well-being into a career.
I haven’t been to karaoke ever since I started my masters’ degree in music therapy.
I often joke about it with my friends: I’m now getting paid to sing and play music, why would I spend on karaoke?
But somehow deep down, the truth stinks: I lost one of the hobbies I enjoyed.
Every time I practise an instrument or write a song, it’s for a client.
I don’t do music FOR me anymore.
Therapeutic work isn’t easy. Let alone keeping up with the musical skills and repertoire.
Also, burnout is real – as a therapist, as a musician, as an employee…
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not trying to discourage you from turning your passion into a job.
If I had to choose again, I would still choose this path. I would hate myself if I never tried.
So here’s everything I learnt about monetising my passion. And stuff I wished I knew about to maintain my emotional health.
This is more like a reflective journal about my journey – it’s messy, raw and unfiltered. But maybe that’s what you need – an honest look at mixing passion with work, and how to stay balanced along the way.
Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation
I started writing songs when I was 14.
I would spend the whole summer locking myself up in the bedroom, composing, recording and editing my music.
I even designed my album cover, made lyrics books and burnt CDs to distribute to my friends.
I loved to express in music.
As simple as that.
It got me into the flow state naturally.
Every morning I looked forward to it. I did not need any motivation to sit down and focus for 8 hours.
But the dynamics of motivation often shift when you turn your passion into a career.
The sheer joy of making music – the intrinsic motivation – changed.
I no longer felt a great sense of satisfaction when I created something meaningful.
I had a session in 30 minutes. I needed to master this song.
My clients needed the visuals to complete this song arrangement. I had to create my own scoresheets.
My job would be on the line if I didn’t deliver clinical outcomes.
Art sometimes became a chore.
These external factors – extrinsic motivation – influenced my creative process.
What’s more – the shift of motivation impacted my relationship with my passion, and my identity as a creator.
The pressure to deliver results and meet expectations made me question whether I was still creating from an authentic place.
It took time to reconcile these two identities – the passionate creator and the professional practitioner.
The key is to acknowledge this shift in motivation and actively manage it.
When your passion becomes your profession, it’s natural for the driving force to change from pure enjoyment to a mix of internal and external factors.
I learned to create distinct spaces for professional music-making and personal creative expression. Sometimes, this means setting aside specific times where I make music just for myself, with no agenda or outcome in mind.
The goal isn’t to resist this change in motivation, but to find a healthy balance between the two. It’s about learning to dance between the joy of creation and the responsibility of profession.
Living THE Dream
That said, I would be lying if I said I regretted my decision.
I’m literally living the dreams.
6 years ago when I was stuck in the cubible punching figures, before knowing what music therapy was, I wrote down on my diary that “I just wanted to make music 24/7”.
I had no idea how then. I didn’t want to perform, nor post skits online trying to get attention.
And now I get to do just that.
I dedicate my full-time energy to what I love and believe in (using music to improve others’ well-being), developing mastery in my skills while earning a living.
Despite the rush hour traffic and progress reports, I rarely feel like I’m doing a “job”.
I guess the true “north star” – the real reason I get into music therapy – helped sustain my passion and the time I stay in the field.
Even on challenging days, there’s an underlying sense of purpose that keeps me moving forward.
I definitely felt more satisfied with my career than when I was an accountant.
Here’s what I often tell people: if I died tomorrow, I would have no regrets, knowing that I’ve tried my best helping people with what I was good at.
I wouldn’t be lying on my death bed, dwelling on the “what-if”s.
Life is too short to be doing something you don’t enjoy.
Putting Yourself First
When you pursue your passion professionally, you are not just risking your hobbies.
You’re also more prone to burnout, self-doubts and stress.
In my case as a music therapist, I often take on a lot of burden from my clients and caregivers.
Things can be quite intense sometimes.
Self-care isn’t selfish – in fact, it is necessary, if you want to remain in the field and thrive.
Hence I regularly exercise, meditate, go to float therapy, and make sure I get good rest and nutrition.
Find new hobbies – since you’ve monetised one of them.
I’m a big advocate of personal projects.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Diversify – whether that be your income, identity, or passion.
For me – I’m into writing, calisthenics and pourover coffee. These hobbies have nothing to do with music, and I love them.
Should I Really Turn My Passion into Career?
Just because you’re good at something (assets) that you’re really passionate about (aspirations) doesn’t necessarily mean someone will pay you to do it (market realities).
– Reid Hoffman (The Start-Up of You)
Before I went all-in music therapy, I did my research. I looked into the job market, talked to music therapists working in different locations and shadowed some people to see what work was really like.
There are a lot of uncertainties in the field as the recognition of music therapy is still developing in many countries.
But I decided it’s a risk I’d take.
We are emotional creatures, hence we need a realistic plan and smart strategies to navigate the changes.
Maybe it’s better for you to keep your passion as a hobby to preserve the pure joy it brings you.
Maybe you’re ready to take the leap.
Whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with your bigger life goals.
More importantly – make sure you know what you want. Not what others tell you you should want.
Takeaways
Let’s be real: turning your passion into a career is tough. One day you’re living the dream, the next you’re wondering if you’ve ruined your favorite thing in the world.
It’s messy, it’s challenging, and yes – sometimes it feels like you’re losing that spark.
But here’s the truth: with solid boundaries and a fierce commitment to self-care, you can make it work.
And when it works? It’s incredible.
Would you rather chase your dreams and face some bumps, or spend your life wondering “what if?”
Your passion got you in the door, but it’s your grit and flexibility that’ll keep you in the game.
Been there? Done that? Drop a comment below. Let’s hear your story.
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