Maybe you’ve always wanted to be a firefighter, or an astronaut, or a rock star—but instead you’re stuck in a job selling shoes or answering phones all day. Should you give up on your dream job?
Don’t be too quick to write off your goals—but don’t be stupid about it, either. Pursue your dreams with these important considerations in mind:
- Be realistic. If the bulk of your musical experience is playing Guitar Hero in the basement, chances are you’re not going to sell out a major concert venue anytime soon. That doesn’t mean you can’t take lessons, meet other musicians, start a band, and achieve some success. But keep your expectations reasonable.
- Keep your day job. Having a job pays the bills, but it also gives structure to your time. You’ll find it easier to set priorities and recognize what’s really important when you have to balance your dreams with the necessities of living. Remember that you are not your job. You can follow your dreams even while you’re stocking shelves.
- Adapt to change. A few years ago, majoring in journalism meant getting a job at a newspaper. The Internet has changed all that. Whatever your dream job may be, stay flexible and look for opportunities that didn’t exist until recently.
- Create your own job. You don’t have to wait for some big company to give you a job title. Think of a way to build your ideal job on your own—by freelancing part-time, for example, or volunteering your underused skills to a good cause.
- Be prepared for sacrifice. If you’re really committed to your dream job, you may have to give up on some other goals. You probably won’t start with a big salary or lots of vacation, for instance. Ditch your sense of entitlement, and be ready to pay your dues.
[Article first appeared in the February, 2011 issue of Family Times which is published monthly by Play-a-Round Golf. To receive your own copy of Family Times and the articles and coupons included, just send your mailing address to starter@playaroundgolf.net. ]
