Abstract

The more qualified and satisfying work becomes a rare good, the more society seems to spread messages that incite high skilled young workers to follow their 'passions', giving their heart and soul to professional projects that aren't always realistic and coherent with real labor market trends. Such 'rethoric of passion', even if based on shareable premises, often ends up endorsing opportunistic behaviours from employers and aggravating situations of stress and self-exploitation by the same young workers, in a condition of contractual weakness and work instability. This article, drawing from the results of a qualitative analysis on the work conditions of Sapienza University of Rome's graduates, focuses on this theme and aims to give reflection inputs to educators, vocational guidance professionals and counsellors, as to the same young graduates, interested in developing a professional project that is coherent and compatible with their lives. To reach this goal, it is essential to point energies towards competence development and a sound balance between passion and method.