According to a study from Deloitte University Press, up to 87 percent of America’s workforce is not able to contribute to their full potential because they don’t have a passion for their work. (Read more at: http://dupress.com/articles/worker-passion-employee-behavior/) That’s a lot of people who don’t like their jobs. I’ve been one of those people. Odds are, so have you.Why is this? I believe that many of us really aren’t clear on what will make us happy in our careers. When is the last time you sat down wrote out what your priorities and values were when it comes to work? How important is a short commute? How is important is a Monday through Friday schedule? How important is doing something that matters?It doesn’t matter what the answers are to these questions, because they are different for everyone. What matters it that you are asking these questions in the first place. Give yourself permission to explore these things within yourself. I speak to a lot of clients who need help getting clear on what it is that they enjoy and are good at. There’s nothing wrong with being unsure about that. The only mistake would be to not explore it all, and to accept the misery of where you are and believe the lie that “work is work” and that’s just how it is.Once you are clear on the direction you want to take, the next step is to give yourself permission to do it. It takes courage to make a change. Oftentimes the thought of leaving a job makes you feel guilty for the work that you’ll leave behind for other people. Maybe you the thought of facing your boss and telling them that your leaving is difficult. I’m going to tell you that sometimes it’s okay to be selfish. Taking care of yourself is the best way to take care of others and contribute to the world.So, can you follow your passion? Can you actually have a job that you enjoy going to? Of course, that’s up to. If nothing else, have the courage to at least ask the question. If you need help with taking action, that’s where a career coach comes in. In working with me, I can help you figure out what steps you need to take and make sure you are supported 100% of the way.