[cfusting]

That's funny, I've been following my passions and now I'm a data scientist.

I can split my friends into two groups: those that followed their passions and are happy, and those that did not and have loans for silly things, egos that depend on their career, and a consistent need for validation by society.

Following your passion isn't about instant gratification, perhaps people are disappointed by this.

[CamelCaseName]

I think your division is only looking at the effect, not the cause.

Would it be more fair to divide your peers into people who searched for their passion, and those who just went with the flow?

When people say "find your passion", I think they mean to say "stumble upon your passion". "Find" is too passive a word, perhaps "search" is better.