When I am out with my friends and one of them complains about her workload, it is not unusual for a friend to hug her, console her and tell her that it would all be worth it when she gets that much-deserved promotion.

But do we really need to wait for that day to come, especially when it could take months or even years?

As professionals, success in our careers and businesses tends to become our main focal point. But what is success really?

For many it is defined by that sports car parked in the driveway, a six-figure salary or a generous retirement package. For many young graduates in the UAE, it has something to do with a good position in a government entity.

However, success does not taste the same if it lacks a vital ingredient: passion.

When you work in a field or operate a business that you are passionate about, you do not need to wait until you retire to enjoy your life. When you are passionate about what you are doing, you will give it your full attention, dedicate your time to it, and it will not feel like work because you are happy doing it, and, most importantly, you want to do it.

This sounds great, but many people still do not follow their passion, and instead are stuck doing something they may not necessarily enjoy.

For one thing, following your passion could be more rewarding on so many levels, but it is harder and could take a while to earn a steady income or make a decent living. It also requires more determination, resilience, and tolerance, which some could think they are not cut out for. They prefer to stick to something they know and consider a “safer option” in terms of a steady income.

A passion-driven career is not something unattainable. On the contrary, it only requires following a simple method of turning your hobby or your passion – be it painting, photography, or writing – into your daytime job. You can start by asking yourself a simple question: if you hate your job and cannot wait till the day is over, then why are you still there? And most importantly, what would you rather be doing?

I constantly stress the subject of passion and career and how important it is to combine both because I see so many talented individuals working in fields or organisations that they are not passionate about. And I know for a fact that if they did follow what they are really good at, they would do wonders. And the world always has room for more of that.

It is important to never settle for a career that would undermine your values, beliefs, and, most importantly, talent. A steady paycheque at the end of every month is good, but it is not worth stopping to chase your dreams for.

Do not give up your passion and dreams for a “safer” choice. The safer option may provide you with the opportunity to purchase what you heart desires, but it may not be psychologically rewarding. You could also be giving up on an opportunity to achieve greatness and creating a meaningful difference to the world because you decided to settle for less.

Where would our world be if Steve Jobs had settled for a nine-to-five routine and a steady income instead of starting his company from his parents’ garage? If you are reading this on an Apple device, then you know what I mean.

It is never too late to get on the passion-driven route to success and greatness.

You have full control of your life and how and when you want to follow your passion.

Be brave, passionate, and resilient, because that it is what success is all about.

Manar Al Hinai is an award-winning Emirati writer and fashion designer. Follow her on Twitter: @manar_alhinai