Imagine getting paid to do what you love. Sounds ideal, right? Actually, this dream scenario can have downsides. While careers experts certainly don’t advise against trying to turn your hobbies and interests into a career, they do caution that students should go in with their eyes open and that, in any case, it may be possible to turn your passion into a career without formally studying it at third level.

Andree Harpur is an independent careers consultant with more than 25 years experience in her field. “I would always advise students to do something that they are very interested in, and that aligns with their skills and talents, but the nature of work is to earn money and your freedom to follow your heart does depend, to an extent, on your responsibilities.