Career Choice: Passion vs Greatest Impact

Many professionals are faced with a tough tradeoff in career planning: Should they pursue what they are most passionate about, or should they pursue what they can have the biggest positive impact on?

Some people put their own interests first. They believe that they will be more motivated and satisfied in the long run, and this will make them perform better and contribute more. Others target areas where their skills and efforts can resolve major issues and benefit the largest number of people.

There’s no single answer, and how people prioritize such factors will vary based on their goals, values, and circumstances.

How do you reconcile your own passion with the desire to make a difference?