The Dream Job

You’ve heard the term “Dream Job,” haven’t you? Everybody wants one and hardly anybody knows somebody who has one. It’s the elusive grail that we fantasize about on those days when the job we have seems particularly lousy. Ever look for it in the want ads? Some wise guy always seems to post a job called “Dream Job,’ but it’s usually telemarketing (which might be somebody’s dream job, but it’s not mine).

As we approach careers in this new decade, let’s re-think the concept of dream jobs by considering what our dreams really are. To be rich? To be famous? Some folks fantasize about those things. But there are other dreams out there:

• Making enough money to stop living paycheck to paycheck and build a nest egg
• Creative fulfillment
• Working in a particular location (near family, near outdoor activities)
• A positive workplace (good management, nice people, pleasant space)
• Making a difference in the world
• Reasonable hours so you can see loved ones at night
• A place to settle into for an extended period of time
• Advancement opportunities
• Good benefits (varying according to need: tuition reimbursement, medical care, flexible hours, etc.)

These may not seem like big dreams to some people, but trust me…they are meaningful to others who are looking to make positive changes in their lives.  Identifying these dreams and their importance in your life is crucial to finding a great job.

Some people carry around the same dreams a little too long. Dreaming about being a major league pitcher is great when you are in high school. But when you are 50, you should probably take stock and come up with a new dream, if you haven’t done it already. It can still be ambitious. Just make sure it’s authentic to you.

Still dreaming about being rich and famous? That’s okay, I guess. But unless you are a socialite, those things are usually a byproduct of activity. What do you want to become known for doing? How do you do it differently than everybody else so you stand out? How do you let people know that you are great? If you have been sitting back, not acting on your dream, ask yourself what one thing you can do this week to move a step closer to where you want to go…and then do it!