They say, “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is passion.” This quote hits differently depending on where you are in life, but it resonates universally across generations—whether you’re Gen Z, Millennial, or Gen X. It’s a reminder that the effort we pour into our work feels vastly different depending on whether our hearts are in it.
For many of us, especially in today’s hustle culture, “working hard” has become a badge of honor. Laging “grind” mode, di ba? Whether it’s pulling all-nighters, juggling multiple gigs, or sacrificing weekends for deadlines, we’ve normalized the idea that productivity is king. But the real question is: Are you working hard because you love what you do, or are you just surviving? Kasi iba ang “I have to” sa “I want to.”
Stress is what happens when you’re grinding for something that doesn’t align with your values or interests. Imagine waking up every day dreading your tasks, feeling like you’re stuck in a loop of obligations. That’s the “work hard” that drains you. Para kang nagbubuhat ng mabigat na bagay araw-araw, pero walang sense of fulfillment. It’s exhausting not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. And let’s be honest, marami sa atin ang nakaka-relate dito.
But passion? Passion is different. Passion gives you energy instead of taking it away. Kahit pagod ka, there’s a sense of fulfillment because you know you’re working towards something meaningful. Whether it’s starting your own business, creating art, helping others, or pursuing a dream career, passion fuels you in a way that stress never can. Yung tipong kahit overtime ka na or wala kang tulog, okay lang kasi mahal mo ‘yung ginagawa mo. It’s not just work—it’s purpose.
Let’s break it down further. For Gen Z, passion often looks like pursuing creative endeavors, championing social causes, or exploring unconventional careers. You see it in young people turning hobbies into side hustles or using social media to amplify their voices. For Millennials, passion often intertwines with balancing responsibilities and personal growth. It’s about finding meaning in work while navigating adulthood. For Gen X, passion might mean revisiting old dreams or finding ways to leave a legacy. Across all generations, the common thread is this: When you love what you do, the hard work feels worth it.
But let’s not sugarcoat things. Following your passion isn’t always easy. It’s not as simple as quitting your job and suddenly living your dream life. May bills pa rin, may obligations, may reality check. Passion doesn’t mean there’s no stress at all. It means the stress has a purpose. It’s like climbing a mountain—mahirap, pero alam mong worth it pagdating mo sa tuktok. The journey itself becomes rewarding.
So how do we shift from stress to passion? Here are a few steps to consider:
1. Identify what matters to you. Ano ba talaga ang gusto mo? Sometimes, we’re so busy keeping up with expectations that we forget to ask ourselves what truly makes us happy.
2. Start small. You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Begin by carving out time for things you enjoy. Maybe it’s writing, painting, coding, or volunteering—whatever ignites that spark.
3. Align your work with your values. If you can’t change jobs immediately, find ways to bring your passion into your current role. Or, look for opportunities outside work that align with your interests.
4. Be patient. Pursuing your passion is a journey, not a race. May proseso ‘yan, and that’s okay.
5. Surround yourself with support. Find people who uplift and inspire you. Kung puro negativity ang paligid mo, mas mahirap mag-focus sa passion.
At the end of the day, life is too short to be stuck in something that only brings you stress. Hindi ka ginawa para lang mag-survive—you’re meant to thrive. So, ask yourself: Are you working hard for something you love, or are you just getting by? If it’s the latter, maybe it’s time to reevaluate and take steps toward what truly sets your soul on fire.
Remember, working hard is inevitable. But if you’re going to pour your energy into something, let it be something that lights you up. Passion, not stress, should be the driving force behind your hard work. Kasi sa totoo lang, mas masarap mapagod kapag mahal mo ang ginagawa mo.
~ billymacdeus 
