Is Passion Even Affordable Anymore? Why Doing What You Love Feels Like a Luxury Today

We all grew up hearing the same advice:“Follow your passion, everything will fall into place.”

Sounds cute. Feels inspiring.But in today’s reality? Following your passion feels expensive AF.

So the real question is — is passion even affordable anymore? In this economy?!

Passion vs Survival: The Real Battle

Let’s be honest. Passion doesn’t pay rent on day one.

Most passions require:

• Time

• Money

• Emotional energy

• A safety net

And survival requires:

• A steady income

• Family responsibilities

• EMI pressure

• Zero patience for “figuring things out”

When bills are waiting, passion becomes a risk — not a dream.

Privilege Decides Who Gets to Chase Passion

This part hurts, but it’s true.

Passion is easier when you have:

• Financial backup

• Supportive parents

• No pressure to earn early

• A fallback option

For everyone else, passion comes with guilt: “Should I be doing something more practical?”

Talent exists everywhere.Opportunity doesn’t.

All these actors followed their passion and took the risk of not going for conventional jobs. Luckily it worked out well for them, but does it work out for everyone? Can everyone afford a risk?

The Myth of the “Struggling Artist” Era

Earlier, struggle was romanticised. Now, it’s terrifying.

Struggling today means:

• No savings

• No health insurance

• No mental peace

• Constant comparison

Society claps for success stories but disappears during the struggle phase.

Final Thought

Passion isn’t dead. It’s just expensive.

And until systems support creativity without exploitation,choosing stability over passion doesn’t make you a sellout —it makes you human.

AAPKE SAWAAL HUMAARE JAWAAB!

Is following your passion realistic in today’s economy?

It depends on financial stability, support systems, and long-term planning. For many, passion needs to be balanced with practicality.

Why does passion feel like a privilege now?

Because chasing passion often requires money, time, and safety nets that not everyone has access to.

Should passion always be monetised?

No. Monetising passion can lead to burnout and pressure. Some passions are better kept personal or as side projects.

Why do people quit their passions so often?

Not due to lack of talent, but due to financial stress, burnout, and constant comparison.