How to Get Your Dream Job

I've talked to countless women who are struggling not because they lack talent, but because they are stuck in their comfort zones. Woooooo weeeee!!!!!! They are on autopilot in their jobs, they aren't challenged in their thinking and as a result, they stop growing.

If you want to get your dream job, I’d like to offer some guidance to consider based on the common struggles I've seen with my clients. We have assisted women with earning over $20 million in salary raises and small business revenue in the past five years and the foundational work is PERSONAL development.

Personal growth demands stepping outside your comfort zone and daring to aspire higher. These ae my top three lessons and three actionable steps if you're ready to seize your dream job.

Lesson 1: Comfort Zones Can Be Dangerous

Remaining in low-level or unchallenging jobs can result in feelings of underemployment and dissatisfaction. It’s easy to stick with what’s familiar, but this comfort often leads to stagnation. High-functioning depression and anxiety are common among individuals who don’t feel challenged. Discomfort is necessary for growth, and staying put in a comfortable yet unfulfilling role can stunt your potential and happiness.

Lesson 2: Misplaced Goals Lead to Emptiness

Many people chase superficial goals like buying material possessions to prove their worth. However, these goals often leave them feeling empty and unfulfilled. True satisfaction comes from setting and achieving goals rooted in personal joy and fulfillment rather than aiming to impress others or seeking external validation.

If your goals are rooted primarily in proving people wrong, then it's likely you haven't set goals to prove YOURSELF right.

Lesson 3: Economic Empowerment Through Struggle

Financial and professional growth often come from embracing challenges and pushing past perceived limitations. By aiming higher and stepping outside of your comfort zone, you not only improve your own life but also create opportunities to help others. The struggle that comes with pursuing ambitious goals can be empowering and transformative.

Action Step 1: Define Your Dream Job with Clarity

The first step toward achieving your dream job is to have a clear and precise understanding of what you want. Write down eight specific aspects you desire in a job: be it salary, opportunities for growth, remote work, development opportunities, or work-life balance. Identifying your deal breakers is equally important. This clarity keeps your goals focused, which is crucial as personal and professional aspirations evolve over time.

Action Step 2: Embrace Discomfort and Aim Higher

Be willing to stretch and get uncomfortable. This is where real growth happens. Challenge yourself to aim for positions and salaries that you might initially think are out of reach. For instance, I’ve helped clients achieve significant salary increases by recognizing their true value and not settling for less. Aspire higher financially and professionally—it’s essential for your growth and societal benefit.

Action Step 3: Leverage Your Strengths and Network Wisely

Knowing your worth is pivotal. When negotiating for a salary, always start above your current bracket. Understand that a comprehensive compensation package includes more than just base pay. Don’t shy away from asking for bonuses, shares, profit sharing, student loan repayment, and retirement benefits. Besides this, ensure you’re associating with individuals who desire a better life and who challenge you to grow. Mentors, sponsors, and coaches can be instrumental in navigating towards your dream job.

Real-World Example:

One of my clients increased her earnings from $269,000 to $474,000 in just six months through precise goal setting and leveraging her strengths. She had the courage to define her worth clearly and then went after it. By stepping out of her comfort zone and aiming higher, she not only transformed her career but also set a new standard for her personal aspirations.

I want to be 100% clear... You can achieve your dream job by defining what you want, being willing to stretch, and surrounding yourself with people who uplift and challenge you. Remember, jobs are simply an exchange of your time, energy, and intellectual property for payment. They do not define your identity or self-worth. By taking control of your mind and strategically planning your career moves, you can step out of comfort, seize growth opportunities, and foster continuous personal and professional development.

Take the leap TODAY! Define your goals with clarity, dare to get uncomfortable, and leverage your strengths with the right people around you. You will find that the path to your dream job is not a distant dream but an achievable reality. Join me and a community of like-minded professionals at our upcoming events to further this journey together.

What steps will you take today to start working towards your dream job? Let’s connect and support each other on this journey. I would love to hear your thoughts and stories!

Christy Rutherford is an executive leadership advisor, keynote speaker, and high-level business consultant. Her clients have received +$20 million in salary raises and small business revenue since 2020. A Harvard Business School Alumna and certified Executive Leadership Coach from Georgetown University. Find out more about Christy HERE

Watch Christy's Episode 93 of Christy's podcast The Pay Raise Playbook, where she expands this discussion on "How to Get Your Dream Job" HERE