"Find a job you enjoy, and you'll never work a day in your life." - Confucius
I've heard hundreds of people describe the type of job they'd love to go to each day. While each person has his or her own particular desires, most share something in common: their descriptions are quite reasonable and in line with the current marketplace.
Yet, for some reason, most people assume that the job they desire does not exist—at least not for them. Consequently, they quickly replace the true description of their heart's desire with a modified one that does not motivate them to look beyond their current circumstances.
These people busily create discouraging scenarios in their minds, without venturing out the door. While this negative mindset might be a way to ultimately protect them from the prospect of rejection, it does not allow any room for the possibility of success.
A series of short articles on FastCompany.com by people who love their work, highlights the idea that dream jobs evolve over time. For some, finding a great job is a process of trial and error.
I like to think that finding an ideal job is a process of discovery, much like the child's game of hiding an object, where the closer to the object the child is, she's told "You're getting warmer".
In order to discern how close you are to your ideal job, you need to be aware of what you're looking for at any given stage of your life. As your life changes so might your concept of what is ideal in a job.
Here are a few tips to keep you on track with your search for the job that fits you well:
1. Regularly assess your current job in terms of what's working well and what needs attention given your lifestyle and desires.
2. Make a list of the five most important criteria in your dream job.
3. Think about people whose jobs interest you. Consider interviewing them to determine if what they do is really something you'd like to do.
4. Create time and space in your life for investigating other options. Taking action is often all someone needs to feel more in control of their life and begin to think more positively about their situation. On the other hand, it could uncover a new possibility that's a much better fit.
5. Be aware of your assumptions and how they might limit your attempts to explore new options. Try to stay neutral until you determine the facts and match them with your desires.
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Barbara is currently accepting applications for her ninth annual Women's Retreat in Provence. Click on the link for photos and more details!
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