Whether something as subjective as dream job exists is as difficult to say as whether “dreams” exist for real. What then constitutes the hope of a dream job is not a tangible work-place, specific work profile, the pride of designation and the honor associated with it. While these are all symbols representative of the feeling, the person looking for dream job actually plans for the “feeling of high in giving the best in a work which he is passionate about”. A Google or Microsoft may not turn out among the best of employers or a CEO or CFO might cease to be a dream job unless the basic criteria is satisfied namely contentment and feeling of progress which the best work towards a passionate direction instills.
How much investments are you willing to make for that dream job? The answer lies in:-
Formal education
Conventional wisdom suggests that your dream job like any other job requires a certain academic qualification apart from experience. An investment of time and money in a formal education suitable to bag that dream job is one of the basic pre-requisites. Formal education not just introduces to traditional way of things, introduction to and study of jargons and industry benchmarks but also arms us with the degree which makes us eligible to apply for that dream job.
Work
Unless your dream job is an entry level post, there is a lot of work experience which takes you closer to the dream job. An investment of time and efforts in real-life work place might be required to get that break closer to the dream job. The said experience can be in same organization or in an organization in segment which enables you to make the work experience relevant.
Skills
Positioning for your dream job is primarily about acquiring the skill-sets to take up the responsibilities which your dream job entails. A dream job will become a nightmare if your skillsets are simply not at par and you are unable to deliver on the same. It’s a dream come true on the other hand to face challenges which you overcome regularly with pure grit, determination and talent and be recognized for the same.
Learning curve
An investment in going through the learning curve including personal traits like the maturity to handle the responsibilities is of utmost importance. While learning curve by nature for ambitious dream jobs is steep, the journey is well-worth it. What comes easy is of little consequence and what is paid for by sweat and blood learning the tricks of trade in the chamber of rites is valued.
Corporate ladder
A dream job is never up for taking. It is taken by seizing opportunities and showcasing your talent in a corporate setup where all others are as opportunistic. Climbing up the corporate ladder to that coveted position of fame and excellence and staying there requires more than talent, skills and learning curve. A persistence to rise up the corporate ladder and be worthy of the position is required.
Passion
If there is one thing which is the key determinant of what constitutes your dream job, it is passion. A dream job is essentially a point of time and place in career where you feel content at your position and passionate about contributing without external compelling actions. Passion drives the mind and makes all the hardwork worth it. While all other above points are feel good in the long term, passion induces a positive feel good factor in the process of reaching the dream job in the present moment.
Whether the dream job is to head the research wing at Tesla or Chair the launch of a satellite into outer-space, an investment of various kinds are to be paid. Monetary value can hardly be attached to these investments as life is a search for a dream job, dream home, dream family and what not.