Do you have a job that's just like everyone else's? Are you
looking for a 9-to-5, but wish you weren't?
Do you wish there was another option, one that would lead to an exciting, unique and fulfilling line of work?
I recently interviewed more than 100 people who currently hold their dream jobs as research for a new books
These individuals, who are travel journalists, event planners ,fashion designers, forensic scientists, interior decorators, Internet business owners and more, have one thing in common -- persistence. As unattainable as a dream job might sound, with the right amount of forethought and preparation, you can make the move as well.
Following are six tips to get you started.
Do you wish there was another option, one that would lead to an exciting, unique and fulfilling line of work?
I recently interviewed more than 100 people who currently hold their dream jobs as research for a new books
These individuals, who are travel journalists, event planners ,fashion designers, forensic scientists, interior decorators, Internet business owners and more, have one thing in common -- persistence. As unattainable as a dream job might sound, with the right amount of forethought and preparation, you can make the move as well.
Following are six tips to get you started.
Learn About Yourself
Take time to do a self-assessment of your values, how you like to work and what
you'd be compelled to do even if you never got paid. Research careers and
industries that map to your skills and interests. Hit the Internet, set up informational interviews, take
relevant coursework and arrange to go onsite at a company in your chosen field.
Don't Be Deterred by a Lack of Experience
In developing a resume and other promotional materials for the
field you want to pursue, think about how your current skills and talents apply to the
responsibilities you'll hold in the new job. For example, knowledge of project management, client relations, information technology and sales will take you far in most types of
careers.
Ease Into a New Career One Foot at a Time
Perhaps this means earning a paycheck at your current job while
doing a part-time internship in your new field, or taking an adult-education class or workshop on the weekend . The only way to find
out if you're passionate about somethingis to try it -- ideally with as little
risk as you can manage.
Remember That Any Progress Is Good Progress
Even confident people stay in unsatisfying jobs because they
feel safe, and because they're afraid of making a bad decision. But in
the quest to uncover a source of meaningful
work, though, your worst
enemy is inertia. Make aneffort to do one thing -- like emailing a networking contact or attending an
event -- that moves you a bit closerto your big-picture goal.
enemy is inertia. Make aneffort to do one thing -- like emailing a networking contact or attending an
event -- that moves you a bit closerto your big-picture goal.
Start Early
Twenty- and thirty-something have more flexibility when it
comes to test-driving different careers.
The process of self-discovery is much easier when you're unencumbered by family responsibilities
and substantial financial burdens, and when you haven't yet reached a level in a career where it's
tougher to turn back. That said, it's never too late to pursue your passion. More and more Baby
Boomers are leaving the world of traditional employment for alternative career paths that will fulfill them well into retirement age.
The process of self-discovery is much easier when you're unencumbered by family responsibilities
and substantial financial burdens, and when you haven't yet reached a level in a career where it's
tougher to turn back. That said, it's never too late to pursue your passion. More and more Baby
Boomers are leaving the world of traditional employment for alternative career paths that will fulfill them well into retirement age.
Have Realistic Expectations
Even if you're lucky enough to hold your dream job, there's no
such thing as the perfect work situation.
Every job has its ups and downs, and aspects we love and aspects we don't love. And "dream job
" doesn't mean "cushy job." As your mom always told you, anything worth having in this world requires
some effort. There will be some days you feel like shutting the alarm off and going back to sleep, but many more where you feel more energized by the prospect of work than you ever thought possible.
Every job has its ups and downs, and aspects we love and aspects we don't love. And "dream job
" doesn't mean "cushy job." As your mom always told you, anything worth having in this world requires
some effort. There will be some days you feel like shutting the alarm off and going back to sleep, but many more where you feel more energized by the prospect of work than you ever thought possible.
