Discover Your Dream Job

From Dream to Reality

As a child, when you were asked what you wanted to be when you grew up, what did you say? Are you doing or pursuing that line of work now? Most people aren’t, but do you still want to? For most people, it takes research, experience, and risk to find their dream job.

If you are not quite sure what you want to pursue professionally, here are just a few of the things you can do to discover your dream career:

1. Check Out Career Websites

Create an account on LinkedIn, Monster, Indeed, and other sites. Update your profiles regularly and search for job opportunities that match your interests and skills. Some of these sites have networking events that you can sign up for. Even if you are employed, it can be helpful to see what else is out there and what connections you can make.

2. Take Career Tests

You can find many free career assessment tests on the internet. These can give you a good idea of what careers might be a good choice for you based on your personality, your level of education, previous work experience, and more. Even if a test doesn’t give you a precise answer, it could give you insight into the types of jobs that are a good fit for you. For instance, let’s consider someone who got results saying that they should be a firefighter. If they are not athletically or physically inclined, they may disagree with that result. If they reflect on their answers, though, they may realize that the assessment recommended the position because of other traits, such as fearlessness, efficiency, ingenuity, and a desire to help others.

Don’t accept career tests/assessments as gospel, of course. They are just one of many methods you can use to understand yourself better. Nonetheless, when you take one, make time to reflect on your results. Consider why the test may have given you that answer, and see if there is any information or insight that you can carry forward into the rest of your job search!

3. Attend Career Fairs

Attend career fairs to gather information from companies that are looking to hire. Don’t forget to dress up and bring plenty of copies of your resume. Be prepared to have an interview right on the spot.

4. Get an Education

Did you get a degree in a subject that you no longer want a career in? Because so many people go to college when they’re fresh out of high school and don’t really know what they want to be, it’s fairly common for people to make this mistake. If you are in this situation, consider getting a master’s degree or even just a certificate or credential in your desired field.

5. Find a Coach

The best way to embark on a new career is to talk to someone who works in that field. Meet with that person regularly to ask them questions. Try to spend a day on some job sites with them and get their insight into whether or not certain jobs or listings would be a good fit for you.

6. Get Support From Loved Ones

Ask the people who know you best about the careers they think you’d excel at. Your parents, partners, and kids may have an informed perspective on the types of work that your soul would find meaningful and that you have the skills to succeed at.

7. Read Books About Careers

Look for books like Career Alternatives for Teachers and other literature that discusses what you can do with your credentials. These books can help you learn how to use your background in another field. If you already know what field you want to go into, you can also search for similar books about breaking into that industry, especially if you don’t have much relevant experience.

8. Don’t Stay in a Career You Hate

Try to keep from spending more than three years in any career that is not your dream job. Once you hit that point, plan to move on and pursue your ideal work situation. Stability is important, but so is your mental and emotional health. Set yourself up to move toward something you love. This could include taking night classes, getting a weekend job, or interviewing for new positions. Do anything you can to create a life that allows you to do meaningful work. Your job pays the bills, but do you enjoy what you do?

Don’t Give Up On Your Dream Career

On average, people spend 40 hours a week working, plus another five hours a week commuting to and from work. That’s a significant portion of your life, so spend it doing something that you’re passionate about.

If you still aren’t sure what you like or want to do, then in addition to the steps above, consider taking time to get to know yourself better. Connect with your spirituality. Turning to tools such as Tarot or Oracle cards — or even consulting with a trusted spiritual guide like a Career Psychic — may be helpful, especially if they play a major role in your belief system.

You only live once, and you have more power over your future than you think. Do not get stuck in a job just because it pays the bills and is convenient. Spend the time and take the risks. It will push you out of your comfort zone, but it will make you happier in the long run.