When you're asked about your dream job, what do you see? Is it a big, fat question mark? Well, I'll tell you what to do to find out what exactly that dream role looks like.
Here's what to do when you don't know what you want to do:
Time to Reflect
Pick up a pen and a piece of paper and take some time to look at your strengths and interests.
- What is that one, or maybe a few if you're lucky, thing/s you'd do for free.
- Ask yourself what makes you feel happy and gives you a sense of satisfaction.
- Moreover, what are you good and bad at?
Answering those questions will not only give you a few ideas about your dream job but will also help narrow it down. So, choose the top 3 dream roles and stick with them for now. Another tip, to know what you like, look back at the things or past jobs that made you miserable and make sure to avoid those.
Talk To People
If you're finding it hard to decide what your strengths are, ask the people around you. Those who know you well will surely help you out with that. What's more, you may even be surprised by some of the answers.
Another reason to talk to others is to have a chance to hear about a role or an industry from a first-person perspective. Whether it's a friend, family member or someone you messaged on LinkedIn - asking them a bunch of questions about the role is invaluable. And who knows, you might even be offered the chance to shadow them at work?
Stay Positive
Do not talk yourself down even before you try. It's hard to find your dream career and it's even harder to take action to get it. Yes, it can be intimidating at first but if you self-sabotage, you won't get anywhere and you're back where you started. Frustrated and confused.
What you don't want to do either is make excuses like 'I'm not skilled enough' or 'I'm lucky to have any job at the moment'. Yes, those are valid arguments. However, they are the reason why you're still reading this blog. You need to start looking for chances and opportunities to make changes, not excuses.
What to Do to Get Specific
Remember those top 3 dream jobs I mentioned before? Well, now it's time to do some research. Type in the job title in a search engine of your choice and look for a job description. This is the moment you should think about what makes the job 'perfect' for you. Found a job you think you'd love? Research the role and you'll find answers to questions like:
- Do you have necessary qualifications?
- What's the average salary?
- What's the career path?
- Do you like the company culture?
Don't like any of the 3 jobs you thought were your top picks? Great! You found out without changing your career 3 times! Now, go back and do some more brainstorming and circle back. Remember, the more questions you ask, the more specific you get, the less time and energy you'll waste wondering and going through multiple career changes.
Do the Work, Get the Job
If you found your dream job or want a better picture of what the position entails, look for free online courses, webinars, seminars or classes relating to the job or sector. There are plenty of free resources out there for you to use. It will take time and energy but it can assure you that you enjoy the type of work and tasks the position requires.
And when you've finally done all of that... time for a wee bit of more work... Get your CV ready, polish your Cover letter and start applying for jobs. You've got this - good luck!