Before the 12th century in Europe, love was not a romantic thing. People got married for socioeconomic reasons. Today, however, marriages are mostly based on love rather than other considerations (although, of course, there are gold diggers but they are in the minority).

A career is not that different from a marriage: people want the security and the stability without the feeling of bondage.

Although some people do succeed in finding work that fulfills their heart, challenges their mind and provides fair compensation, it seems that for the overwhelming majority of people, their job is mostly an "unhappy marriage" or an unfulfilling relationship. But why then would they stay if they're unhappy? Perhaps for the same reason a (usually female) spouse would, in the old days, stay in a loveless marriage: for stability and security.

Given the war for talent, greater job information accessibility, the rise of talent as a significant factor of production and people's growing awareness that work should be more than just "work," will we see the emergence of "romantic" careers -- that is, careers based on what one truly loves to do?

Will "romantic" careers replace purely pecuniary or utilitarian careers in the same way that love-based marriages and relationships have replaced, since the 12th century, utilitarian marriages based on securing socioeconomic advantage and security?

My feeling is that at first, only a few people will dare to dream of a career based on their passion and talent. As they dream about this seemingly ideal career, they will begin to reshape -- often unconsciously -- the way they view life, society and their own role in it as a unique, creative individual. 

Over time, they will begin to notice things that they hadn't noticed before, and they will embark on the path of self-discovery and self-empowerment. Inevitably, they will find that there is a special place for them in this world, a place where their talent meets the needs of the world. Then there will be a decisive, joyful and exhilarating moment when they suddenly realize who they truly are -- spiritual beings who have come forth on this planet to have an amazing life experience. 

This intense and liberating feeling, as ecstatic as it may sound, will feel quite familiar to them and it is not surprising: as children, we all felt the flowing through us of this natural, boundless joy in living, learning and laughing. 

As more and more people begin to connect to one another through Facebook or Linkedin or other social networking sites, they will support one another and engage collectively in a process that will transform the world of work as we know it. Capitalism will soon be reformed by what I call "talentism," that is, the rising awareness that we, as talented human beings capable of love and passion and growth, are more than just mere human resources. We are resourceful humans who can unleash our creative powers and change the world. 

However, this kind of romantic career will only happen if we have the courage to choose a line of work where we can feel energy, passion and inspiration flow through us with ease and grace. When that happens, we will not only experience a more authentic career worth loving, but we will also relive a second childhood.