People starting their careers right now are trying to make sense of a landscape that feels uncertain. Jobs shift. Skills change fast. Everyone keeps saying to chase your passion, but that idea can leave people stuck when they are unsure what that passion even is.

What this really means is that young professionals need guidance that feels grounded in real experience rather than slogans. That is where Robert Herjavec’s reflections carry weight, especially because he learned some of these lessons the hard way, long before he became a familiar face on television.

The Shift From Passion to Obsession

Here’s the thing. Passion sounds inspiring, but Herjavec recalls learning from Mark Cuban that passion does not demand much. It feels nice. It sparks excitement. But it fades quickly when work becomes difficult. Obsession works differently. Obsession grabs hold of your attention whether you invite it in or not. It pushes you to solve problems, try again after setbacks, and stay with something long enough to get good at it.

Herjavec admits he did not begin his career with any clear direction. He explored law enforcement roles and the film world. None of them stuck. When he stumbled into cybersecurity, he noticed something new. His mind kept drifting back to it. He found himself wanting to understand it better. That constant pull became the clue that he had found something worth pursuing long term.

This reveals an important insight for anyone at the beginning of their career. You do not need obsession on day one. Early jobs might simply help you cover bills or learn basic professional habits. What matters is that each step gives you a sense of what energizes you and what drains you. Over time, patterns appear, and those patterns often point toward your eventual direction.

Why Long-Term Thinking Matters

A lot of people in their early twenties face pressure to make every career decision feel definitive. Herjavec understands that mindset well. He calls it an anxious rush toward the next day, fueled by the fear of falling behind. A little urgency can be useful. It creates momentum. The challenge is learning not to let short-term pressure overpower long-term judgment.

What this really means is that it pays to slow down and look ahead. Young job seekers often pivot at the first sign of uncertainty, especially when faced with big headlines about the economy, political shifts, or new technologies. Herjavec argues that this quick reaction can lead people away from paths that might serve them well if they stuck with them. Consistency builds strength. Strategic patience expands opportunities over time.

The Interview Question That Catches People Off Guard

Finding a career is one challenge. Getting hired is another. Early in his journey, Herjavec met Warren Avis, the founder of Avis Car Rentals, during an interview that started with a familiar request to describe a moment of adversity. Then Avis shifted gears and asked whether Herjavec felt in control of his own future.

The real test came next. Avis presented a scenario where life takes an unexpected turn and asked whether a person can still direct their future under extreme limitations. That was the moment Herjavec realized the question was not about the scenario at all. It was designed to reveal how someone thinks under pressure and how they process unpredictable circumstances.

In a world where change arrives quickly, these qualities matter. Critical thinking keeps people steady. Adaptability helps them move forward even when plans shift. Herjavec believes employers rely heavily on these traits because business environments evolve too fast for rigid thinkers.

Why Thinking Adaptively Sets Candidates Apart

According to Herjavec, success rarely comes from perfectly memorizing procedures. It grows from the ability to read a situation, reassess, and choose a smarter path. The job market rewards people who show they can face uncertainty without losing momentum. A candidate who demonstrates that mindset often stands out, because they bring both insight and flexibility to the table.