How to discover one's Purpose & Passion?

Question

I went to college and earned a Masters to be a Librarian. Although I do well in this area, I feel dead inside as if I'm not doing what would truly fill my heart & spirit as my vocation versus just using up another day of my life.

I would especially like input from anyone who has "been there" and re-discovered that which brings joy and life in doing it everyday and their path in discovering it.

Answer 1

I traveled a similar path.

I thought I was going to be an engineer coming out of high school, only to realize it made me completely miserable, and bored me to tears. Somewhere along the way, I realized part of my misery was being stuck in the same mundane environment, and made plans to move cross country. After wandering through the internet, I found the college that I am now graduated from, and they were offering a degree in web design. Although halfway through that, I realized that film and video was what blew my hair back.

So my advice is, trial and error. Although I always knew I had artistic aspirations, I was just afraid to turn that in a way to make a living, and somehow spoil that joy for me. I also recommend a change in scenery, or maybe just a short trip. We all get stuck in the same old routine over and over again. Sometimes just taking a chance can remind us of old dreams, or show us new part of ourselves we didn't know about.

Moving cross country may not be an option, but you can still ask yourself what does bring you joy in your life? Do you want to help people? Do you long to be more creative? Do you want to travel? Putter in the dirt all day growing things? Do you like the knowledge aspect of being a librarian, but wish you could share it with more people? (Teaching might be an option)

Figure out what does fill your mind and soul with joy, and see how you can fit that into your life.

Answer 2

What attracted you to this field in the first place? How long ago did your graduate? There must have been something that attracted you for you to devote all those years to achieve this goal, no? If you're not sure what you'd prefer doing, why not get a job in a large company (that does something you admire) where there's promotion from within - I've found that typically having a Master's is enough to move up - regardless what field it's in. Would you be interested in teaching? Working in a school or college?