At age 27, I earned my Ph.D. and landed what most academics (and I, at the time) would call a “dream job.” I was a marketing professor at a Big Ten business school, earning a six-figure salary. I worked with rock star colleagues, visionary leaders, brilliant scholars, and enthusiastic students.
Where your work meets your life.
What You Should Chase Instead of a Dream Job
It’s better to pursue a sustainable and purposeful career.
August 08, 2023
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Summary.
There is no such thing as a “dream job.” A better goal to pursue is a “sustainable and purposeful career.” In other words, a career that will keep you going because it fits into your value system and longer-term goals. Here’s how to get started:
- If you feel stuck in your current job, it may be because that role doesn’t align with your values, or it may be because you’ve become complacent. Figuring out what is making you feel trapped will help you fix it.
- Be the architect of your own career. To build something you’re happy with, you need to be in touch with yourself. Reflect on what brings you joy and meaning at work.
- Craft your role. While you may not have the autonomy to rewrite your entire job description, there are likely things you can change to better leverage your unique experiences, background, talent, and abilities.
- Find balance in all areas of your life. No matter what you value, and how successful you become at making your job “dreamy,” don’t let your job become everything you value about your life and yourself. Balance is what will ultimately lead to a fulfilling life that your career is just one part of.