How to Make Your Dream Job a Reality

At some point in your life, it's common to dream of something bigger and better in your career. No matter how cushy 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 these tips, you can be on your way to a happier and less stressful work life:

1. 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" doesn't feel like work, as it's something you're happy doing anyway. The beauty is that you can now make money doing this. There's no better feeling than knowing you get paid to do what you do for fun! In a nutshell, that's the concept of a true dream job.

2. Break it down into steps. Sometimes when looking at the big picture, it's easy to get overwhelmed and feel intimidated. By breaking it down into a series of smaller steps, it's 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're actually going out and doing what you set out to do will also enhance the feeling of pride and confidence.

3. Don't be afraid to start on the low end of the totem pole. 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's 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.

4. 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're having trouble finding a suitable mentor, a good role model or icon will work just as well. For example, if you wish to become an actor or actress, try to follow in the footsteps of your favourite thespian.

5. Ignore the pessimists. Depending on your field, 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 how unlikely you'll be to 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 get published all the time, and there are more than a few staff at NASA. When situations like this come along, remind yourself that it's what you want to do. Think of the benefits you'll enjoy once you succeed. In the case of aspiring novelists, you need only to remind yourself how exhilarating it'll be to have a copy of your book in hand!

While your dream job may be a challenge to acquire, it's 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.