How to Get Closer to Your Dream Job And Switch Your Career

Are you stuck in the rut of the same job for too many years? The monotonous routine of going to the office, completing projects, having lunch with colleagues, and commuting home may have dulled your enthusiasm. Have you ever paused to reflect on how you reached this point? Is this the dream job you once envisioned during college when the world brimmed with boundless possibilities?

Like countless others, we embarked on the responsible journey of completing our college education and securing employment. We are diligent individuals who roll up our sleeves and diligently tackle tasks. However, instead of resenting our current positions, we should cherish each moment and acknowledge how our profession aligns with our purpose.

Business Insider says an average American spends around 90,000 hours at work. 87% lack passion for their jobs, with almost 60% claiming that work causes sleepless nights. Additionally, Americans spend over 100 hours per year commuting to work, with work being the primary % of stress at 25%.

Of the country's approximately 100 million full-time employees, 51 percent yearn for more engagement in their work. This disconnection leads them to perform only the bare minimum, leaving them feeling detached from their jobs.

Unraveling the Path to Your Dream Job

The disheartening thought of "It's too late for me to have my dream job" shouldn't deter us. We must persistently pursue our aspirations. While changing careers may pose challenges, achieving our goals is undeniably within reach.

Visualize Your Dream Job

Online resources offer various "dream job meditation" or "dream job visualization" recordings. Alternatively, try this simple approach:

Sit in a chair, close your eyes, and let your imagination take the lead. Picture yourself starting your workday, whether hopping into your car, boarding a train, or joining a carpool. Envision the destination, the parking spot, and your attire. Visualize arriving at your workplace and the people you'll collaborate with. Consider the timing of your first meeting and the attendees.

Can you vividly picture your Dream Job? Take note of all the elements that merge to create a clear image. Document your visualization to revisit it later.

While it may sound cliché, this practice could significantly benefit your transition to a new job.

Identify Your Major Strengths and Skill Sets

This exercise will help you identify your strengths and skill sets, enabling you to showcase them on a functional resume effectively.

When making a career change, employers prioritize learning about your potential and what you can bring to the table over your past accomplishments.

Review your resume and the different positions you've held. Identify the specific skill sets required for each task listed in your job history.

For instance:

• If you've been an accountant for a decade, your daily tasks may include handling various clients' books, preparing reports, and conducting audits. Accomplishing these tasks efficiently demands self-motivation, business acumen, organizational skills, and the ability to meet deadlines.

Examine your resume and categorize your skills into relevant groups based on their themes.

My resume highlights my expertise in various skill groups, including Management, Supervision, Event Planning, and Budget Management. For essential work skills required for a career change, refer to this resource: "The Ultimate Work Skills List to Help You Change Careers."

Now, list 3 to 5 significant Career achievements that showcase these skills. These accomplishments you initiated or facilitated during your employment were only possible with your contributions. Use this information to update your resume.

Switch to a Functional (Skills-Based) Resume

To master the art of changing careers and making a significant leap, you'll need a resume highlighting what you can offer potential employers. Tailor your skills to the desired position rather than merely reflecting on past experiences.

Consider including 3/4 to a full page for your Functional Skills section. Each skill group should be presented as a heading, followed by bullet points detailing the tasks related to that skill. For instance:

Communications, Social Media, and Technology

• Skilled in MS Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Outlook; PC and Mac hardware
• Craft and update web content to support student affairs and advancement marketing efforts.
• Collaborate with graphic designers, writers, and Public Relations teams to develop effective marketing campaigns.
• Utilize social media for various purposes, such as recruitment, programming, fundraising, and collaboration.
• Familiarity with Facebook, WACUHO Forum, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Career Highlights

• Redesigned Operations for PCC Foundation
• Created a process for scholarship awarding and executed new Academic Works software
• Oversaw Foundation committee structure and furnished training documents for new moderators
• Managed grant-awarding process and realignment

Next, provide details of your previous work experience, starting with your most recent or current position and ending with the oldest one. Include the position title, employer's name, and employment dates. List your educational qualifications and add any references at the end.

Network to Uncover Opportunities

After the visualization exercise, you should have identified locations and experiences that resonate with you. It's time to take action and actively seek out opportunities.

A person I know embarked on the "30 Coffees in 30 Days" challenge to aid their job search. They reached out to people in their network, hoping to gain contacts and opportunities leading them towards their goals.

Enhance your networking skills with the help of these suggestions: "How to Network So You'll Get Way Ahead in Your Professional Life."

Keep Your Family and References Informed

Inform your family, co-workers, and references about your aspirations for your dream job. Seek their support, and consider contacting former supervisors through your network.

These individuals may have played a role in your professional growth and even served as mentors. Leveraging their expertise and considering them valuable resources is crucial.

Remember to inform your references and provide them with an updated resume when applying for jobs and scheduling interviews.

Embrace the Importance of Internships

Achieving your dream job might entail pursuing further education at a university or college and making a career switch.

Many respected educational institutions offer opportunities for students to intern and gain practical experience. An internship can enhance your resume while you continue your studies.

Set Clear Goals for Success

The lack of clear goals often leaves people drifting aimlessly in life. Avoid this roadblock by setting clear objectives and jotting down all your goals. Regularly review them to keep yourself on track. Remember, taking action is the necessary step toward achieving your goals.

When you align your actions with your desires and qualities, you'll find that your aspirations will come to fruition.

Confront Your Fears

Unlike living in small groups in the wilderness, modern life exposes us to an ever-expanding world of industries and organizations. Often, our fears do not materialize, and even if they do, they are rarely as terrible as we anticipated.

Take some time to reflect and create a list of potential obstacles to switching careers. Brainstorm solutions and actions to navigate these challenges successfully.

You'll be amazed at the