The problem with turning your passion into your job is that, well, then your passion becomes a job. It becomes something you have to do, even when you're not in the mood for it. And that's the kind of thing that can poison your relation with your passion.
So, I know this is from a way back, but the thread popped back up, and I saw a quote and thought about it...
My wife is a veterinarian. She's known she wanted to be a vet since she was, like, five years old.
My wife's practice is centered on geriatric, hospice, and end-of-life care. She deals with cases of debilitating arthritis, cancer, organ failure, and the grief of people losing loved ones. Every. Gorram. Day.
To say she has a passion for relieving the suffering of her patients (and her clients) would be a vast understatement.
Indeed, if you don't have such a passion, you don't stay in the business of helping humans and animals deal with such pain, suffering, anxiety, and grief for very long.
And the
only way to serve this passion is professionally. Duffers are doomed to do more harm than good.
So, really, I think it pays to know the extent of your passion, and choose accordingly.