The Passion Trap

"Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life." Career strategist David Crane argues that this popular mantra is a lie that leads to burnout and financial exploitation. In "The Passion Trap," Crane analyzes how the "Passion Economy" convinces workers to accept lower wages, longer hours, and poor treatment in exchange for "fulfillment."



The book looks at industries fueled by passion—NGOs, the arts, academia, and video games—where the line between hobby and labor is blurred to the employer's advantage. Crane explains that when your work is your identity, professional rejection feels like personal failure, leading to a fragility that destroys mental health.



Crane advocates for a "Work-to-Live" philosophy. He suggests detaching your sense of self from your employment and finding a job that is "good enough" to fund the things you actually love outside of the office. It is a controversial, liberating guide for anyone who is tired of monetizing their soul.