What is the most important thing in life? There are so many potential answers to this question, but one answer that would certainly be at the top of the list is happiness. That being the case, what does it take to be happy? That’s a more difficult question to answer, but since we know that Americans spend more time at work than anywhere else, it would be wise to make sure you have a job you enjoy. Of course, this is easier said than done, but it is possible.
The first step to landing your dream job is to throw away everything anyone ever told you about finding a job. If your father told you that you need to provide for your family first and worry about your happiness second, his strategy was flawed. Remember, parents lead by example. Kids will often grow up doing what their parents do. Therefore, if you make money a priority and your kids see that, they will most likely take the same route when they grow up. Do you want your kids to work in an area they despise when they get older? Of course not. In other words, working for money above anything else and putting your ‘selfish’ needs of wanting do something you enjoy ahead of finances is not a valid argument.
If you went to college to become an accountant and after six years you decide you hate it, begin looking for another option right away. Some cliché statements are true and ‘life is too short to be unhappy’ is one of them. This doesn’t mean to quit cold turkey. This is only an option if you can afford it. Otherwise, continue with your job until you can find other avenues that pay the bills. But how do you figure out what to do next?
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Is there are a certain skill you have that can make money? If you enjoy fishing in your spare time, make a major life change – which can be very exciting – and work on a charter boat or sell fishing equipment at discounted prices. If you have a skill, such as writing or painting, find a way to sell your work. It’s now possible to find this kind of work online. What makes this kind of work even better is that you won’t have to answer to anyone and you can set your own hours. When you want to take the family on vacation, go right ahead. You’re free to do as you please.
If you’re the type of person who needs structure and/or someone to give you orders, you can still find a dream job and make your life more enjoyable. The key here is to avoid the traditional approach. What’s going to make you different if you send in a resume, wait for a response, and go in for an interview just like dozens of other candidates? Unless your credentials are amazing, which they’re not if you were in a different field, you’re not going to have a chance. And in today’s economy, employers are not going to take risks. You need to take an approach where you stand out. At the same time, you need to be yourself. The best approach here, and what really impresses many potential employers, is when you approach them before they approach you.
How is it possible to approach an employer before they place an ad that they’re hiring? It’s simple. Research the companies you would like to work for. Prepare a list with phone numbers and some background information on those companies. Call each one. When you call, tell them that you’re interested in working for them and you wanted to know if they had any openings. Just in case you get through to someone with the power to hire, make sure you know about the company. Parlay this information into why you want to work for them. Potential employers drool over this kind of stuff. If you take this approach and you’re persistent, you will land your dream job. It will only be a matter of time.