Confucius once said that you would never have to work a day in your life if you choose a job you love. No doubt that it would be a dream manifested to earn a generous paycheck doing something that you would be glad to do for free simply for the love of it. However, the stark reality is that most people do not love their jobs and could think of 1000 other places they would rather be than at the workplace. With that being said, there are endless opportunities out there, a few of which are the perfect match for you.
So if your dream job is out there somewhere, how do you go about finding it? The following are some tidbits of advice that will put you on the right track and help you discover what you want to do and actively pursue it.
1. Accept Responsibility
If you are adamant about finding a job that fits you perfectly like a magical pair of glass slippers, then you need the mindset that you can find this job. Your success, or lack of it, is your responsibility and yours only. Don’t expect factors like the economy, federal government, corporate entities or political parties to make you believe otherwise.
2. Know Yourself
Sometimes, what you think you want to do for a living may not highlight your actual strengths. This is why so many students switch majors in college; once they begin taking courses, they quickly discover that their initial major of interest is not compatible with their strengths. It is the same with finding the right job.
3. Specialize in a Niche
Even in your general field of interest, identify a specific area within the niche that you are particularly fond of and really work on developing that skill. If you enjoy cooking, for example, and are particularly adept at preparing Mexican cuisines, then consider starting a blog where you can establish yourself as an expert by routinely giving advice and sharing recipes. Maybe consider hosting a free online class or put together an e-book. These are all terrific resume and portfolio builders that you can market to your industry.
4. Brand Yourself and Network Daily
Social networks are more than just for chatting with friends and uploading a selfie. It’s one of the greatest online resources for branding yourself and creating recognition that extends way beyond your locale. Create content surrounding your niche and share it through social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn or Google Plus.
According to a survey, 77% of job seekers found long-term employment through personal and business connections obtained through social networking. This is far greater than the number of people who found work by responding to a job ad.
5. Be Prepared to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Even if you despise your current line of work, it at least provides security and pays the bills. Leaving that behind to pursue that dream job can seem like an intimidating initial step marred by doubt and uncertainty of how it will all play out. Even if you hold onto your current job for the time being, it may mean having to work full-time while setting more time on top of that towards pursuing your real interest.
If you are trying to make a name for yourself in the field of culinary arts, for example, then it may mean having to attend a sales management training course, putting together a recipe book, maintaining a blog, writing newsletters or building a client list all while working your typical nine to five job. If you’re not willing to sacrifice a few weekends or time with the family, then don’t expect to get very far.
Be Persistent and Don’t Quit When the Going Gets Rough
It has been said that it takes about a month’s worth of search for every $10,000 you plan on making in salary, so don’t expect your dream job to land on your lap after the first week of searching. It is very possible to make a living doing what you love; the question is whether you are willing to strap your boots and walk through mud to get it.
