In a previous blog, we talked about how ex-student Naomi Downs is currently pursuing her dream job, studying sustainable agriculture and doing an internship in an aquaria.
Most of us have a dream job, but many of us will think that the dream job is unreachable. But should we give up our dream, or aim for a realistic dream job?
How do you achieve your realistic dream job?
Step 1 – Is my dream job realistic and achievable?
If you have a dream job, you need to consider whether your dream job is realistic or not. Your dream job might be to become an astronaut, but if you are 54 and unfit, this is never likely to happen, so we have to consider if what we want is realistic. If we always aspire to the unrealistic job, we are going to be forever disappointed.
However, this does not mean that we cannot find a realistic dream job and achieve it.
Firstly, think about what your dream job would be. But also consider is your dream job realistic?
Think carefully –
- Is the job what you imagine it to be?
- Is the job one you are likely to be successful in getting?
- Does the job suit your personality and skills?
Step 2 – Be Realistic about yourself
We also have to be realistic about ourselves. What we are not so good at and what we ARE good at. It is so easy to focus on the negatives when looking at what we want to do, but it is important to focus on everything about us.
Step 3 – Be Realistic About What Motivates You
We are all different, so think carefully about what motivates you. Be honest!
It could be –
- Money
- Creativity
- Praise
- Interest
- Status
- Being very busy
- Being needed
- Helping others
There may be more than one thing that motivates you. You may be motivated by praise and helping others or creativity and money. Think carefully about what does motivate you and what demotivates you?
Some people may thrive on a high adrenaline atmosphere with tight deadlines. Others may find this extremely stressful and a terrible work environment. They may prefer to work hard at a sensible pace and enjoy their work.
So, when looking for a new career think carefully about why you want to do the job and what will motivate you to continue.
We are all different and what interests one person will bore another person senseless.
Step 4 – Get Advice
The next step to changing your career is to get advice from education providers, colleges, career advisors, friends and family.
Talk to others about what you are good at, what you are not so good at.
For example, Jake, 16, announced he wanted to be an accountant. He was not particularly good at maths. He never liked to sit still, always wanting to play sport. He didn’t want a job in an office, but someone had told him accountants earn a lot of money. Jake spoke to his parents who advised him that perhaps this wasn’t the job for him and to look at areas that did interest and inspire him. He went onto study sports psychology and loved it.
This is not to say we should always listen to the views of those around them.
Try and speak to people who are already doing your dream job. Find out -
- Is it what you expect?
- Do you like the sound of what they are doing?
- How did they get into this career?
Step 5 – Dream Job – For Now
Research suggests that people are changing careers more often during their lifetime. It is estimated that, on average, people will have 12 different careers by the time they retire. So instead of considering a dream career for the rest of your life, why not consider your dream career – for now?
What you want to do now could be very different to what you want to do in ten years’ time. So, think about your dream job – for now. What would you like to do for the next five years or ten years?
We are asked from an early age what we want to do when we “grow up”, but many of us today will not have the same career throughout our lives. So, it may not be what we want to do when we “grow up,” but what we want to do now.
Step 6 – Do You Need to Retrain?
You may have decided on your dream job but think that you lack the skills and knowledge to do it.
Consider –
- What do I really want to do?
- What skills do I already have?
- Do I need to update these skills?
- Do I need to develop new skills?
If you think you lack the skills or experience, consider your options –
- Voluntary work
- Unpaid work experience
- Getting a trainee role or apprenticeship
- Taking a course
There are many options for retraining today, so if you do want to change jobs, why not consider taking a course or courses to retrain?
You might choose to study at a traditional college or university, or study online. That way, you can continue to earn in your existing job, while studying towards your dream job.
At ACS Distance Education, we offer over 700 courses in agriculture, horticulture, psychology, creative writing, animal studies and so much more.
If you are looking for your dream job and need to update or expand your skills, why not give us a try?
If you are not sure what to study or would like to speak with one of our Course Counsellors please click below and they will assist you with any questions yo0u may have.