How to Make Your Dream Job a Reality
At some point in your life, it is common to dream of something bigger and better when it comes to your career. No matter how comfortable a job may seem, you may find yourself wishing that you were working somewhere better or doing something different.
The good news is that you can go out and make your dream job a reality! Whatever the field, you can find a way to turn something you enjoy into a career.
By following the tips below, you can be on your way to a happier and less stressful work life.
Ask yourself, "What do I really want to do?"
What makes you happy? One of the best ways to achieve your dream is to find something that you already enjoy doing and make a career out of it. By doing this, the "work" does not feel like work, as it is something you are happy doing anyway.
The beauty is that you can now make money doing this. There is no better feeling than knowing you get paid to do what you do for fun! That is the concept of a true dream job.
Break it down into steps.
Sometimes when looking at the big picture, it is easy to get overwhelmed and feel intimidated. By breaking it down into a series of smaller steps, it is less daunting and much easier to manage as you progress forward.
This will also boost your self-esteem and confidence. You can feel a sense of pride in knowing that a step has been completed. The knowledge that you are actually going out and doing what you set out to do will also enhance the feeling of pride and confidence.
Do not be afraid to start at the bottom.
Some grunt work will be involved no matter what field you work in. Think of it as a sort of initiation rite. Even if it is a lower end job at the company you want to work for, it still gets your foot in the door and, in time, you can make your way up the ladder.
Find a mentor or a coach.
Mentors can be very helpful when it comes to getting your dream job. They achieve a dual purpose of showing you the ropes and giving you the skills you need, while also acting as a great reference for when the big moment does come.
If you are having trouble finding a suitable mentor, a good role model or icon will work just as well.
Ignore the pessimists.
Depending on the field you work in, there may be some negative feedback from cynics and even friends and family. For example, if you want to write a novel or work for NASA, you may be asked what your "real" job is or you may be reminded about how unlikely it will be that you will land such a job. Put it all aside.
Remember that your goal is in the realm of possibility, even if it takes some work to break into the field. Books are published all the time and there are more than a few staff at NASA.
When situations like this come along, just remind yourself that it is what you want to do. Think of the benefits you will enjoy once you succeed. In the case of aspiring novelists, you need to only remind yourself how exhilarating it will be to have a copy of your book in hand!
While your dream job may be a challenge to acquire, it is very possible to reach it, no matter how lofty. If you put in the effort and follow a handful of simple guidelines, you can find yourself working the dream job you always desired.
Check out these books to help with finding your dream job
Welcome to the Real World: Finding Your Place, Perfecting Your Work, and Turning Your Job into Your Dream Career by Lauren Berger
The Best Job in the World: How to Make a Living from Following Your Dreams (ebook) by Ben Southall
Job Mess to Career Success: 30 Challenges to Land, Grow and Keep Your Dream Career by Scott Jeffrey Miller
Other library resources to help with finding your dream job
Another great resource offered for free with your library card is Career Cruising, which allows you to explore different jobs and career paths. Hear from professionals actually working in a field of your interest. Many offer advice through short video interviews.
Need some more guidance with your career? Book a free one-on-one appointment with a Career Coach in Residence.
Post written by Kadine Cooper, 2022-23 Career Coach in Residence.
The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by lead donors Azrieli Foundation and RBC Future Launch and supporting donors Linda Dagg and Kenneth Wiener and Ted Rogers Community Grants.
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