
How Not to Give Up on Your Passion Projects
What do you do when your passion projects make you want to pull out your hair or when giving back becomes a headache? Here’s one CEO’s solution.
Well folks, today I am incredibly frustrated.
(Identifying details below have been altered for confidentiality, but the emotions behind this article are mine and 100% real.)
I’m helping an organization try to move into the modern era: I’m working late and on the weekends for them, pulling out all the stops, and going above and beyond because it’s a cause I believe in. I know in my heart that without help, they are doomed to fizzle out and cease existing… soon. In my company, we pride ourselves on delighting our clients, so we’re known for going above and beyond, but usually it’s for much better pay. Our normal fees usually provide enough of an incentive that the businesses we work with have decided they need to make changes and know we’re the best ones to help them; in short, they work with us instead of against us. This one however, is my passion project; I believe in what they’re here to do, and in my heart, I want to help them survive. (It’s one of the ways I give back.)
This company has a very specific way they have gone about their business for decades, but as you know, the world has changed a lot in the last 20 years. I accepted this challenge because I believe in what they do and think it would be a shame to see them close their doors, but the phrase “uphill battle” doesn’t even begin to cover it.