Discover your passion: Tips on finding your dream job

It’s time to start doing something you love. Work really isn’t work if you love it, right? We’ve got tips on how to find and land your dream job, plus we’ll hear a real woman’s story on how she managed to do it.

Imagine your alarm clock going off, and waking up ready to take on the day. You feel revived and excited for what the workday could bring. You’re not dragging your feet or trying to think of a reason to call in sick; instead, you’re hopeful and optimistic, knowing that you’re heading somewhere you want to be. If this sounds just too good to be true, we have good news — it’s not. Discovering your passion and landing your dream job is something millions of women have accomplished. With a little work and the right attitude, you could be next!

Discovering your passion

Before you can land your dream job, you need to discover what you’re passionate about. Some people know right away, while others need takes some poking and prodding. If you’re not sure, ask yourself the following questions:

• What do you do in your free time? Do you spend time alone or do you find yourself surrounded by people?
• What did you enjoy doing as a child? Make a list of what made you happy in your youth.
• What are your hobbies? Do you craft? Bake? Cook? Write down hobbies of yours, even if you aren’t actively pursuing them.
• Would you prefer to be your own boss or do you prefer not being the one in charge? Do you like working with others or are you better working by yourself?

Remember, only you can determine what you’re passionate about, so take the necessary time to figure it out!

Check out how to discover your strengths here >>

How Lauren found her dream job

Lauren is currently an editor of a women’s interest magazine. She knew early on that journalism was her passion, but never guessed she’d be working at her dream job by the age of 30.

SheKnows: When did you first realize you wanted to be a magazine editor?

Lauren: Since I opened my first Seventeen magazine as a tween, I’ve wanted to work in publishing. I love content written for women. It’s interesting and relevant.

SheKnows: How did you land your dream job? Did you know someone or was it good old-fashioned hard work?

Lauren: I landed my dream job thanks to a little luck as well as hard work! I got my degree in Journalism, which I knew would get me on the right path, and started my career as an advertising writer and travel blogger. I got laid off and a friend of mine told me about an editorial position at a local women’s magazine she wrote for. She was kind enough to recommend me, and the rest is history.

SheKnows: What are your tips for those still pursuing their dream job?

Lauren: My tip for landing your dream job is to know what you’re passionate about. It’s not work if you love what you do. And make connections! It really is all about who you know. Well, that combined with having the necessary credentials (like a degree) to get you where you need to be. Once you get that prized internship or entry-level position, show them you can put in the legwork, then climb the ladder!

Tips for landing your dream job

Landing your dream job takes time and hard work, but it’s not impossible. In fact, it may be a little easier than you think. We recommend:

• Building connections. Reach out to people who are working in your desired industry. If you don’t personally know anyone, turn to the internet. Blogs and social media are a great way to get to know people and make a name for yourself. Be patient though, as it does take time.
• Setting goals. Setting goals is so important with anything in life, especially when it comes to your career. Where do you want to be in a month? A year? Write down these goals and work daily to achieve them. Also, be specific. For example, don’t just have a goal to “network,” but go above and beyond and determine exactly how and when you will network.
• Being realistic. Anything you love in life takes work. A healthy marriage, being debt-free, losing weight, building lifelong friendships — it all takes time and commitment. Be realistic with what your dream job is and how you’re going to get there. Also, know that even though it’s a dream job — it’s still work! You will love what you do, but don’t expect there not to be any challenges along the way.

More on careers

Do you have to forgo a career to have a real relationship?
6 Essentials for career networking
9 Secrets to career success