New Definitions for a Dream Job

Maybe I’m turning into the cartoon-like character that just likes to be grumpy about the same thing all the time. 

But please, please, please… stop telling people that you’ll help them find their dream job. 

In a recent search of career and leadership coaches selling services and courses, I once again found the age-old promise, “We’ll help you find your dream job!”

So why am I resistant to a phrase that resonates with so many?

Well, it’s sort of like someone selling you cotton candy, and convincing you it will definitely be a filling meal.

I don’t like anything that prays on the vulnerabilities of others. 

When I hear the term “dream job”, I think of something that is elusive and nebulous and promises total fulfillment.

But maybe I’m looking at this the wrong way. What if, we redefined the term “dream job.” What if it doesn’t have to mean what I described above?

Here’s my new (and improved if I do say so myself!) definition of what I would consider a “dream job.” 

D. Differentiated - This is a job that respects its employees’ boundaries. It recognizes its employees as independent, autonomous beings. And while there is a sense of camaraderie or belonging, employees are encouraged (strongly) to develop a sense of identity outside of their work. 

R. Realistic Responsibilities and Job Scope - We all have busy seasons, cycles, and days. But in a dream job, the overall responsibilities are realistic. In this job, work is not extracted from you; rather, you’re able to find a balance between productivity and rest. 

 This job does not cultivate a chronic stress cycle. 

E. Energy and Flow -  We do not need our jobs to fulfill our every dream. But we DO need pockets of time that provide “flow” or times where we can really access our strengths and abilities in the context of the work. A dream job needs to create space for the way you use your energy throughout the day, and have a decent balance of both “using” energy, while also “re-creating” energy. 

A. Access to Learning and Growth - Learning is one of the main ways we can stay engaged. A learning brain at work cultivates emotional safety and provides the kind of satisfaction that we all crave from a career. More than satisfaction, access to learning and growth also is a part of making sure workplaces continue to center equity (this is just one small part of many crucial steps).

M. Money (More, please.)

And finally, yes, money, please! Of course, money made the list, but perhaps not for the reason you might think. Money is less about the need for gigantic yachts and more about the need for less stress. You likely have heard recent studies that show that happiness levels don’t increase a great deal after one is making about $75,000 a year. Well, that study has been challenged by a more recent study that found more money may in fact increase our overall well-being. While I’m not convinced that making more money makes us happier in the end, I am certain that having basic needs met (and more than basic needs!) absolutely contributes to well-being, as well as strong communities.

(side note:  I have to mention that I continue to notice a very large disconnect between the levels of education required in many roles, and the annual salaries that accompany those roles. If you’re in the business of making the world a better place…start by paying your people more money.)

So there you have it, a D.R.E.A.M. Job - Differentiated, Realistic Responsibilities, Energy and Flow, Access to Learning and Growth, and More Money.

This post may seem like it’s for those navigating a job search. But it’s also about organizational culture. If you’re a leader of a team or organization, take a moment now and consider whether or not your company is in the business of dream jobs. If not, what’s in the way?

Let's keep the conversation going.

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