If you're preparing to transition to civilian life why following your passion may not be a good idea.

Very few people (myself included) have their dream jobs. I am happy for those who do. For the rest of us, the best we can realistically hope for is a job that we can tolerate and meets our financial needs. As long as I can pay my bills, save for the future, and buy the things that I want and I don't dread going to work, I will call that a win.

That Venn diagram captures the sweet spot perfectly.

I have a passion for helping people. But that doesn't mean that simply helping people is what I put on my resume. Passion as defined in Merriam-Webster is any strong feeling or emotion. People can have many strong feelings and emotions in a single day. So I agree here that passion alone is not enough. However, passion alone can be a good reason and place to start. I retired from the military in 2013. What I knew when I got out was that I needed a job. So I took the job that my resume and skills said that I could do. I worked at Fort Sill as a training developer. However, just because I was good at this job and I excelled at it does not mean it is the best fit for me. I was miserable. I found myself working for someone who took advantage of my skills, background, knowledge and passion for success and found myself over worked and under paid. I however from my military training know the importance of having a plan. I used my time there to develop my skills and gain the knowledge to pursue my passion. I got myself several certifications and I applied for the (dream) job that I wanted. I now help people on an everyday basis (pursuing my passion with a plan) and I have never felt like I was working since I started. Following your gut and working for what you love is not terrible career advice. Having that to be your only advice is terrible. Follow your dreams and be determined in what you want to pursue. However remember the advice that "old Soldiers" have always given us. Prior planning prevents a piss poor performance!