How to Thrive as a Multi-Passionate Person in Education

Passion is at the heart of why many educators choose education. But what if you’re a multi-passionate person who is passionate about teaching but also has many diverse interests?

First of all, you’re not alone! Many teachers are lit up by making a difference, helping students grow, cultivating creative lessons-- the list goes on. Given educators’ natural creativity, transferable skills, and love of learning, it’s no wonder many educators also have interests and passions beyond the classroom.

Having interests outside the classroom doesn’t mean you’re not a great educator. In fact, being a multi-passionate teacher could open up amazing new opportunities to make an impact in education.

Before we explore ways to thrive with multiple passions, let’s explore what it means to be multi-passionate.

What Is a Multi-Passionate Person?

A multi-passionate person is quite simply someone who has more than one interest they really care about. 

Oftentimes, multi-passionate people aren’t satisfied with focusing on just one career path. These are the people who always have a side hustle or hobby, and who seem endlessly curious about new ideas.

Multi-passionate people make great entrepreneurs because they are willing and able to learn a variety of skills that help make their businesses successful. Being a multi-passionate teacher means you might be interested in using your teaching skills outside of the classroom and may be interested in trying a side hustle, finding freelance work, or even starting a business.

5 Ways to Thrive As a Multi-Passionate Person

Whether you’d like your passions outside of the classroom to be a hobby, a side hustle, or your next great adventure (such as starting an education business), here are five ways you can thrive as a multi-passionate person.

Honor and Embrace Your Passions

We often hear advice to choose “one thing” and become “the best” at it. However, the reality is many of us are passionate about multiple things. 

• Do you thrive off of change and variety? 

• Do you have a long list of things that inspire you? 

• Do you want to try out your many ideas? 

• Does the thought of choosing one career for your life make you feel uneasy or uninspired?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it can be tempting to get frustrated with yourself or wish you were able to choose a “simpler” path. However, try to embrace and honor who you are as a multi-passionate teacher. Your passions are gifts. Have confidence in this and yourself, and know it’s normal (and admirable!) to keep trying new things and reinventing yourself.

While some of your passions will be for fun, others can be rewarding, impactful education career opportunities. When thinking about passions to explore for potential career opportunities, consider what lights you up, such as writing, mentoring teachers, developing curriculum (for any subject or a niche such as SEL), blogging, coaching, educational technology… The possibilities are endless!

Get Clarity as You Explore and Take Action.

With multiple passions, it can be challenging to find a clear path. Try not to overthink anything. You’ll get clarity in your desires and pursuits by exploring them and taking action. Try things out by freelancing, contracting, volunteering, etc. You’ll have “aha” moments along the way and discover what you want to pursue further or deeper.

But you may wonder: How will I know which interests to pursue and not pursue? 

Pay Attention to Your Feelings.

Consider your feelings as you pursue interests: 

• What’s bringing you joy and lighting you up (right now)? What gives you energy and makes you feel alive? 

• What’s sucking your energy and making you feel depleted?

Keep taking action toward what’s making you feel energized. Remember, you don’t need to have everything figured out or know what’s next to be a successful multi-passionate person. Taking small steps toward joy is vital.

Prioritize Your Passions (and Leave Room for Flexibility!)

If you wish there were more hours in the day, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a classroom teacher or working flexibly in education, you know time management is critical. Prioritize your passions, and make space in your schedule based on this. (You’ll make time for what matters to you, so pay attention to this as you get clarity!)

Remember, you don’t have to do all of your passions during every season of life, but you don’t have to choose one thing at a time, either. Feel free to allow different passions to be your main focus at different times of your life while others are in the background. A focus will help you commit to a specific passion(s) for a period of time. 

Remember, you’re never stuck as a multi-passionate person. In the words of C.S. Lewis, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” Trust your path, and believe each step leads you to where you’re meant to be.

Make Sure You Have Self-Care and Support.

As a multi-passionate person, it can be tempting to overload yourself and burn out. Slow down, and remember to take care of yourself and cultivate a healthy work-life balance.

You’re not on this journey alone. A strong support system can make all the difference as you navigate your many passions. Consider an online teacher community that motivates, inspires, and supports you.

Moving Forward as a Multi-Passionate Person in Education

If you’re ready to embrace your status as a multi-passionate person and explore career options outside of the classroom, then we’re here to help. Our Educator Forever community is designed for passionate educators just like you.

Our signature Beyond The Classroom course and online community can help you explore your passions within education (and beyond). We can help you find new ways to use your educational expertise outside of a school setting and how to use your passions creatively to expand your impact.

Contact us to ask questions and learn more about our programs.