Write about the following topic:
Many believe that the goal of one’s career should be to pursue a passion while others feel it is merely a way to earn a livelihood.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.
You should write at least 250 words.
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IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay (1)
In our contemporary society, a dichotomy exists regarding the primary purpose of one's career: Should it serve as a platform for pursuing personal passions or simply as a means to secure a livelihood? This essay will critically examine both perspectives and argue that, while financial stability is imperative, the pursuit of passion can lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding career.
There are cogent reasons why many individuals prioritize financial security over personal passion in their career choices. In an unpredictable economic climate, a stable income is vital to meet essential needs, such as food, shelter, and healthcare. A career in a high-demand field, such as information technology or healthcare, may not necessarily align with an individual's passions but can provide reliable income and job security. The recent economic crisis instigated by the pandemic underscored this viewpoint, compelling many to choose practicality over passion to ensure survival.
However, proponents of the view that passion should be the driving force behind the goal of one’s career argue that intrinsic motivation leads to superior job performance and personal satisfaction. Following one's passion can engender a sense of purpose, leading to greater job satisfaction and mental well-being. Elon Musk, for example, pursued his passion for technology and innovation, resulting in ground-breaking companies like Tesla and SpaceX. His success story underpins the power of passion-driven work, showing that it can lead not only to personal fulfilment but also to significant societal contributions.
In my view, a balanced approach is the most pragmatic. Financial stability should not be overlooked, but neither should one's passion. A career that provides a decent livelihood but also aligns, at least to some extent, with personal interests is likely to lead to the most satisfying outcomes. Engaging in work that resonates with one's passion can promote motivation, productivity, and personal growth, while financial security ensures a stable foundation for one's life.
In conclusion, while earning a livelihood is an important aspect of one's career, the pursuit of passion should not be marginalized. A harmonious blend of both can lead to a fulfilling career, underpinning a balanced and satisfying life.
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IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay (2)
Navigating the dichotomy between passion-driven and livelihood-oriented perspectives, this essay will dissect the complex dynamics surrounding the goal of one's career, drawing upon diverse examples and critical analysis to posit that an optimal career path ideally harmonises personal passion with pragmatic economic necessities.
Adherents of the passion-driven career perspective posit that a vocation ought to be a conduit for personal passions. They advocate that employment, when intertwined with personal interests, transmutes from a monotonous obligation to a source of profound satisfaction. This alignment, they assert, augments productivity, catalyses creativity, and inflates job contentment. Illustrious innovators such as Elon Musk and Steve Jobs serve as compelling exemplars of this philosophy. Their zealous pursuit of innovation has not only propelled them to astounding personal success but has also instigated paradigm shifts within their respective spheres.
Conversely, proponents of the livelihood-oriented career approach contend that a career is fundamentally a mechanism to secure economic stability. They argue that passion, while gratifying, does not guarantee competence or financial solvency. For them, a career's cardinal role is to furnish stability and cater to rudimentary human necessities like sustenance, shelter, and healthcare. Occupations such as sanitation and public transportation, while perhaps not traditionally 'passionate' vocations, are indispensable for societal functioning and provide their incumbents with a dependable income.
From my vantage point, the goal of one's career should be ideally to pursue a passion and practicality, that means a harmony of both of these aspects. While a stable income should be a paramount concern, if a career aligns with one's passion, it can deliver profound personal fulfilment and instigate innovative strides. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognise that socioeconomic constraints may preclude some individuals from pursuing passion-led careers.
In summary, the pursuit of passion in a career, while potentially yielding personal fulfilment and societal progression, must be counterbalanced with the practical necessity of securing a livelihood. Striking a balance between passion and pragmatism could potentially offer the most fulfilling and sustainable career trajectory, subject to individual circumstances.
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