She Strengthens

Rethinking the Dream Job

When we imagine our ideal career, it’s often a vague concept rather than a tangible reality. We envision a job that brings us joy, balance, and fulfillment, where we’re valued, respected, and well-compensated. Sounds perfect, right? But what if this dream job is just an illusion?

The Myth of the Dream Job

Research from Stanford University suggests that the idea of a dream job is closely tied to the myth that humans have fixed passions. We’re led to believe that once we find our passion and apply it to our work, we’ll be fulfilled. However, this philosophy can be limiting and stifling, making us reluctant to try new things.

The Reality of Career Development

The truth is, our dreams are never about just one destination. The best careers are circuitous, meandering, and a little bit wild. They adapt to our changing work-life needs and keep us excited and engaged. As Ellevest CEO Sallie Krawcheck notes, “The process of figuring out what you’re good at, what you want to do, and where you want to have an impact is not a one-time exercise, but an ongoing one.”

Ditching the Dream Job

So, what can you do instead? Focus on finding a job that aligns with your values, needs, and wants. It starts with understanding what you really want and need. Create lists of your career ideals, including your wants, needs, and non-negotiables. Then, research companies that align with these ideals and prioritize them based on your criteria.

Identifying Your Career Ideals

When creating your lists, start small and focus on the “nice-to-haves” that would elevate your day-to-day life. Identify your needs, which are non-negotiable and fixed. Organize your career ideals and prioritize each one. Remember, these ideals will change throughout your life, so revisit them regularly.

Finding Your Target Companies

Take your list of career ideals and explore companies that align with them. Create a broad list of target companies, including websites you read often, products you love, and industries you’re obsessed with. Research these companies extensively, using resources like InHerSight, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.

Matching Companies to Your Career Ideals

Now, match your target companies to your career ideals. Compare each company to your list of wants and needs, and prioritize them based on how well they align. Ask yourself questions like: Would working at this company require me to move? How does my experience align with the work they do? What kind of work would I like to do for them?

Focusing Your Job Search

By focusing your job search on specific companies that align with your values and goals, you’ll increase your chances of success. Remember, recruiters and companies are looking for candidates who can add value to their organization and align with their values. Value fitting is how you find a job you love, a genuine culture and role match that your ideal company clearly wants.