Most of us have that dream job we desperately hope could one day become a reality. In some cases, we accept they are merely pipedreams but for a lot of people, the only real thing holding them back is being unsure of how best to chase after their chosen career and make the shift from fantasy to reality.
Couple this with the fact that last year it was reported a measly 13% of people are happy in their current line of work and the need to get out there and find our true calling becomes even more prevalent. Here are some tips on how you could approach the move from having a means to pay your bills to having a job your truly care about.
Experience
When we think we’ve realised what our ideal job would be, it can be very tempting to make rash decisions to try and attain it but the reality is that in many careers, experience is often key. Not only will seeking out the likes of qualifications, training, internships and so on, grant you with the content for a CV that will get you the role you so desire but they will also help ensure that your proposed calling is in fact suited to you.
Knowledge
It is all well and good to show passion and experience for a chosen career but potential employers also love to see knowledge. This involves taking the time and effort to carry out research into not only the industry at large but the specific company that you are meeting with to seek employment from. Make it clear that you are totally invested in making this job more than a nine-to-five bill-payer.
Networking
Often in business, it is just as much about ‘who you know’ as it is ‘what you know’. You can join discussion groups and online forums, etc. to help connect with like-minded people, or even utilise your existing contacts and friends’ links to try and get your foot in the door. Never be afraid to reach out to people and see what opportunities are available.
Persistence
If you really want a job you are passionate about then it is important never to settle. It is perfectly acceptable to take a job as a means to pay your bills in the short term, or one that will act as a stepping stone to where you ultimately want to be but don’t be tempted to stay where you are simply out of comfort if the role is not one you are passionate about. Sometimes it can be tricky knowing what your next step should be and if this is the case, job boards like City Calling can be really helpful. By creating a profile (including qualifications, experience and personality traits), you can be pointed towards the kind of jobs that will excite, interest and challenge you, narrowing your options until you find what’s right.
Bravery
Often the predominant factor holding people back is their reluctance to make the bold decision to leave their current role in search of something better. Though you should always live within your means and avoid a situation where you will struggle financially, having the bravery to take the plunge is often the first and greatest step you will have to take to realise your dreams. Be it chasing a higher role, entering a new area of work altogether, or even establishing your very own business, you will need to be courageous and relentless in your pursuit.
I agree that bravery is an important part of the equation. It’s sometimes incredibly difficult to pull yourself out of a comfortable rut and dream bigger!