Wondering whether your career needs to be your passion to feel meaningful? Registered Psychotherapist Katie Feder and Managing Director Mike Tsapazi tackle this common creative dilemma with refreshing honesty. They explore why there's no universal answer, how your needs evolve throughout your career, and why sometimes a job that's simply engaging and ethically sound can be perfectly fulfilling. Hosted by Andy Wright from Never Not Creative, this conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone questioning whether work should be their life's calling. Spoiler alert: it doesn't have to be, and that's absolutely fine.
Not every job needs to set your soul on fire. Sometimes, work that's simply engaging and pays the bills can be exactly what you need to build a fulfilling life outside the office.
This question was answered by Katie Feder – Registered Psychotherapist – who specialises in emotional health and wellbeing, and Mike Tsapazi – Managing Director at The Edison Agency – who brings over 25 years of retail expertise with iconic brands. The conversation was hosted by Andy Wright, founder of Never Not Creative.
As Katie puts it: "We have this misguided belief that there is a universal truth that fits everybody and there simply is not. We are all individual and what we need is just as individual."
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to whether careers need to be passion-driven to feel worthwhile. What matters is understanding what you personally need from work at this particular moment in your life.
Mike shared his own journey: "When I first started in my full-time career, I was a die-hard sports nut... I was lucky enough to get a job with Nike, which is great. I didn't love the job I was doing, but I loved the environment."
Later, when he got into a relationship and bought a house, he moved to Bunnings because it aligned with his life circumstances. As Katie notes: "What we need from work at any point in time is different."
The person asking this question mentioned "loosening the grip I've had on work needing to be a large source of purpose." Katie found this particularly insightful: "This person is engaging more consciously in why do I believe that? Why do I think I need that? Does that actually serve me?"
It's worth examining whether your beliefs about work being your calling are truly your own, or inherited from cultural expectations that might not serve you.
Mike offers a practical perspective: "As long as ethically or morally I'm not being challenged by what I'm doing, then it might not be ideal at times, but it's probably okay."
Sometimes a job that's simply engaging, ethically sound, and allows you to live well can be perfectly fulfilling, even if it's not your life's passion.
If you're wrestling with questions about career purpose and what work should mean in your life, you're not alone. Never Not Creative's Circles programme connects creatives in small peer support groups where you can explore these feelings in a safe, confidential space.
Circles bring together 8-10 creatives monthly to discuss mental health topics, share experiences, and support each other through life's challenges. It's a place where you can honestly examine your relationship with work and career without judgement.
Learn more about NNC Circles and how peer support can help you navigate these important questions.
The most important insight from this conversation is that the answer lies within you. As Katie emphasises: "What do you need? What do you need from work? What do you need from your career? When you know that, then you'll know where this fits within the overall context of your life."
Your career will span decades, and what you need from it will change as you do. Sometimes you'll find that perfect alignment between passion and profession. Other times, you might find purpose elsewhere whilst work provides stability and engagement. Both paths are valid, and both can lead to a fulfilling life.
With over 25 years in retail, Michael combines sharp commercial thinking with a people-first approach to leadership. He’s led transformation across brands like Nike, Bunnings, and Cotton On Group, and more recently, in the creative sector—overseeing operations, culture, and customer experience at an award-winning agency. Known for his curiosity and inclusive style, Michael empowers teams to drive meaningful change, balancing strategic growth with genuine care for the people behind the work.
Registered psychotherapist blending Jungian & Eastern approaches with modern science to support emotional wellbeing. Works holistically, tailoring therapy to each person, now based in Australia.
Founder of Never Not Creative, CEO of Streamtime & co-chair of Mentally Healthy, driven to make the creative industry fairer & more human. Believes great work should never cost wellbeing.
