The path to your dream job may seem complex, but it's achievable. A dream job is more than a high salary or prestigious title. It's about discovering what truly energizes and fulfills you and aligning your career with those passions.
My client, Sasha, found her dream job two years ago. She has more autonomy, impact, and sense of purpose in her work than she had before. She’s also making more money. She feels valued and supported. She likes her colleagues and is building relationships. After getting clear on her personal values and her career goals through one-on-one coaching, Sasha took systematic action steps to find her new job. Are you ready?
Reconceptualizing the Dream Job
Our understanding of a dream job has evolved over time. Once, it was about securing a prestigious title or landing a job at a well-known company. However, today's workers are prioritizing different attributes, such as work-life balance, personal fulfillment, and flexibility.
"Your dream job doesn't even have to be a full-time job. That could be your dream job that you don't actually have an employer," advises Ira Wolfe, a respected speaker and author in the field of HR.
In my own practice, I see more clients being interested in entrepreneurial pursuits. The opportunities for independence, autonomy, and creativity are attractive to many who are re-evaluating their goals. My clients are also looking for work that has meaning for them.
This shift in perception, driven by the Great Resignation and the pandemic, has led to a significant redefinition of the dream job. The focus has shifted from the job itself to the lifestyle it enables, with more importance placed on achieving a balance between work and personal life.
Defining Your Dream Job
What is a dream job? This varies significantly from person to person. For some, it might mean a full-time position in a well-established company, while for others, it might be freelancing or running their own business.
"Your skill sets are transferable from one place to another. Allowing more fluidity in the way that people operate in their careers is one way to really help with that" says Elizabeth Fleming, a business psychologist.
A dream job offers more than just a paycheck. It aligns with your skills and interests, provides opportunities for growth and learning, and offers a supportive and collaborative environment.
Universal Qualifications of a Dream Job
While the definition of a dream job can be subjective, certain qualifications are universal. These include a sense of fulfillment, work-life balance, and what psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls "flow." “Flow,” or the state of being "in the zone," is when you enjoy something so much that you completely immerse yourself in it.
"We have a talent for it, but it pushes us and we have to push ourselves to get better. But because we are so engrossed in it, we enjoy the challenge of it. So, when we find this sense of flow, I think that is what a dream job is," explains Dannielle Haig, a business psychologist.
I also encourage my clients to focus on what they’re good at, work that motivates them, work that helps others, and being in supportive conditions. I use assessments, like the new and updated MBTI Career Inventory to help clients identify what they’re good at and what motivates them. We also focus on them finding healthy environments for them to work in. Work cultures can be toxic. Staying away from toxic work cultures is key when finding your dream job.
The Risks of Over-Idealizing the Dream Job
Having a dream job is an admirable aim, but it's essential not to over-idealize it. No job is perfect, and setting unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and stress.
"If you get into a job and you think it's your dream job and it's not as great as you thought it was going to be, the implications of that can be pretty profound" warns Fleming.
It's also important to recognize that your dream job can change over time. As your life circumstances and interests evolve, so too may your career aspirations.
Adjusting Expectations Around Your Dream Job
One way to avoid over-idealizing your dream job is to adjust your expectations. This involves acknowledging that there will be highs and lows in any job and understanding that perfection is unrealistic.
Stephanie Nuesi, the founder of career consulting firm Max Up, advises, "People think they need to be perfect and they need to give 115% to do a job or to get to that job. They think they need to be the perfect candidate for that perfect job, but there's no such thing as a perfect job and there's no such thing as a perfect candidate."
How to Pursue Your Dream Job
Once you've reframed your expectations, it's time to actively pursue your dream job. This involves researching the necessary qualifications, gaining relevant experience, and continuously upskilling.
"What [being a proactive job seeker] means is once you apply, you're going to be taking certifications…As the application goes through, you're going to continue developing projects and developing those skills." encourages Nuesi.
Stepping outside of your comfort zone and exploring new opportunities can also lead to the discovery of a new dream job. Also, having a systematic, step-by-step process helps my clients stay focused and make progress.
Dream Job vs. Dream Career
While the idea of a dream job can be appealing, it's also worth considering a dream career. A career offers room for growth and the opportunity to adapt to changing interests and circumstances.
"I don't consider it a dream job. I consider it a dream career" emphasizes Richard Dool, a professor of communication and information at Rutgers University.
Building a dream career involves identifying your skills, interests, and passions, and aligning these with your professional path. Think about your career in 5-year “chunks,” and design your path to fulfill your aspirations. Having a vision and a plan for achieving that vision helps my clients achieve their dream careers.
The Reality of the Dream Job
While the concept of a dream job has evolved, it remains a potent symbol of personal and professional fulfillment.
"I think dream jobs still do exist … the dream is so much more vast" states Raquel Binder, founder of Prepared Careers.
Ultimately, the path to your dream job or career is a personal journey. It requires self-exploration, determination, and a willingness to adapt. This is not easy, but my clients and I have found that coaching helps and accelerates the process. The reward of the process is a career that aligns with your passions, values, and lifestyle, offering not just job satisfaction, but also a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Isn’t that what we all want?
Final Thoughts
The pursuit of a dream job or best career is a journey of self-discovery and exploration. It requires a deep understanding of your passions, skills, and values, and the courage to align your career with these elements. While the path may be challenging, it’s worth it. Embrace the journey, anticipate the challenges, and take each step with confidence and optimism. If you can, engage a community or a coach (or both!) to help you in the process. After all, your dream job is not just about the destination, but also the journey. And having support along that journey can make it richer and more gratifying.
Next Steps
Have you been thinking about searching for your dream job or dream career? Here are some resources to get you started…
- Download my “3 Unconventional Paths to Finding Your Dream Job” Tips and Planner here to get 13 tips organized and use the included planner to create an easy action plan.
- Read this blog article to see if it’s time to leave your current job.
- Click here to join my private Facebook group for women working in corporate. We talk about issues like these and support each other.
- Follow me on social media for more tips like these. I’m on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Got comments or questions? I'd love to hear from you! Just post your comment or question below.
