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Do you have a
job that's just like everyone else's? Are you looking
for a nine-to-five...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 book called
How'd You Score That Gig? (www.scorethatgig.com,
Ballantine 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. Here are six tips to get you started:
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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 something is 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 an effort to do one
thing, like e-mailing a networking contact or
attending an event - that moves you a bit closer to
your big picture goal.
-
Start early. Twenty and thirty-somethings 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.
-
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!
Alexandra
Levit is the author of How'd You Score That Gig: A Guide
to the Coolest Careers - and How To Get Them (www.scorethatgig.com,
Ballantine Books). She speaks at corporations,
universities, and conferences around the country about
workplace issues facing young employees, and her career
advice has been featured in more than 800 media outlets
including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal,
USA Today, the Associated Press, ABC News, and National
Public Radio. Levit also blogs for the Huffington Post
and
Getthejob.com.
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