2 big misconceptions about finding a dream job.

Ask someone about what their dream job would be. Go on try it. What happens?

Probably the same thing that career coaches see regularly.

Most people draw a blank, divert by saying they wouldn’t have a job, or come up with a fantasy job. This got me thinking about the 2 big misconceptions that people have about finding a dream job.

  • Fantasy jobs or dream jobs

The first misconception is it is easy to confuse a fantasy job with a dream job. So here is the difference.

Ask a child what they want to do when they grow up, the chances are they will respond with a fantasy job: a top footballer, a famous vlogger, a pop star…. You get the picture! As you’d expect, a child’s answer is spontaneous and bears no consideration to current realities.

As an adult, we still have fantasy jobs – these are the things that we know full well go beyond being a challenge, the expectations are unrealistic. For example, I’m in my 50s, not tremendously fit (certainly no athlete at least) and I have back issues – this is the reality. Therefore, to hope to achieve Olympic gold medal position in the men’s skiing downhill is unrealistic. To consider being an Olympic skier would be classed as a fantasy job because the gulf between reality and goal is simply not going to happen at this point no matter how much I practice going fast on skis.

But dream jobs do exist and are certainly no consolation prize.

If I wanted to be a ski instructor, this although currently far removed from my current reality, is achievable and therefore not an unrealistic expectation. I would have to commit to improving fitness, skiing techniques; I would have to invest in learning how to be a ski instructor and go through the grading systems to demonstrate my abilities meet standards. And I’d probably have to invest in a specialist to fix my back! But if this is what I really wanted to do, I could (and would) do it to achieve my dreams.

  • Only one shot at a dream job

The second big misconception is the idea that there is only one dream job out there and if you miss your shot, that’s it.

This is simply not true.

There is not just one single dream job out there, so waiting for “the one” prevents other opportunities from being considered that would equally bring happiness and fulfillment at work. Even in relationships, people who find “the one” (and live a happy life together) are capable of finding love again. And that’s a far bigger deal than finding a dream job!

The truth is, there are different dream jobs out there for each of us. This is not limited to a single shot.

We have a choice to limit our potential or seize the opportunity to find our dream jobs and live a life we love.

When do you want to take your next shot at living the dream in a job you love?

Click here to book your free consultation to find out more about career coaching.

#LiveDaringDreams

How thinking outside the box landed a high-class dream job abroad with zero experience.

Read more posts:

 
 

Let me tell you more.

Please enter a valid email address.

Professional

I first worked with Will whilst I was a junior member of a teaching team. I worked closely with him for around three years and he became a true mentor to me. During this time Will helped encourage me to discover my own leadership style and he mapped out what it takes to be successful. I highly recommend Will for life and career coaching.

Will is a professional, natural leader who manages to make you feel at ease. He manages to be both emphatic and encouraging, whilst also managing to challenge you to find your own answers. Will’s approach is totally non-judgmental and the sessions are really focused on you and on what you want to achieve. Working with Will has allowed me to address challenges I was facing and he brought a wealth of resources and practical tools to help me set goals, clarify my values, and explore avenues right away. Even though I left teaching 5 years ago, I still seek out Will for his help and guidance and I appreciate his versatility as a thought partner, ally, and coach. Our sessions are always productive and efficiently run, which is perfect for someone who is juggling many priorities! Will brings great communication, professionalism and quality to his work and I highly recommend him as a life/business coach.
- Jamie T (Leadership Coaching)

Highly recommended

I am so glad I found Mapleleaf Vision! Will has been super supportive and understood exactly what I needed to help me to redirect my focus. I now have fresh enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
- Greg M (Life Coaching)

Friendly

Will at Mapleleaf vision fitted me in for a last minute decision-making session that I needed to make ASAP re. a job offer / career change. He was friendly, professional, and really knew his stuff! He unpicked things that I could never have done on my own. I’m so grateful to him & will be highly recommending him to everyone! Where there is a ‘Will’, there’s a way! Thank you, Will. You truly have a gift.
- Cat K (Career Coaching)