Understanding Work Passion: An Important Element for Career Success and Improved Quality of Life

Abstract

A dualistic model of both harmonious and obsessive passion suggests that work passion may have both positive and negative effects toward career success. We explore the potentially negative effects, the "dark side" of work passion, and address warning signs, such as burnout and work-life balance issues. A continuum of obsessive work passion identifies the nature of this potential problem, which may be a roadblock to one’s career success and quality of life. To counterbalance this effect, feedback from significant others, self-observation, and learning critical thinking and self-reflection skills are possible tools for human resource managers.