Your Dream Job is Closer Than You Think
Actionable Steps to Make Your Current Job Your Dream Job
by Mandy Shold
Let’s face it: most of us haven’t quite landed our dream job. Or maybe we haven’t even figured out what that job looks like—but we know this can’t be it. Sometimes simply the thought of greener pastures has us questioning where we are or how we got here. But between the current job market and the uncertainty of, well, everything, right now may not be the best time to call it quits.
Before you go and dust off your resume, I’m here to tell you that your dream job isn’t as far away as you think. Whether you’re lost or stuck in a gig that isn’t quite right, there are plenty of ways to make your current job your dream job. And no, I’m not talking about “changing your mindset”—I’m talking about actionable steps you can take in your current role to get you one step closer to your dream career.
After chatting with a handful of women in the BWH community, I’m excited to tackle a few of the most common complaints they had against their current jobs, and how they can turn things around.
(1) If you’re feeling stuck or like you’re not growing:
Try asking for more! So often when we feel stuck in the mud, our instinct is to put things into reverse or just give up. But there’s always a way to move forward. Even if you can’t change titles or roles, you can always add responsibilities to your plate. Raise your hand to take on more, whether it's a new project you want to lead, a new skill you want to learn, or helping onboard (or even manage) a new team member.
(2) If you didn’t get the raise or promotion you asked for:
Try scheduling time with your manager to outline exactly what’s needed for that promotion or pay bump, and then create a 90-day plan to achieve it. Putting the onus on them to define what’s needed allows you to focus on being solution-oriented, and oftentimes waiting until a new quarter will free up more money for the pay bump. I know this from experience. A couple of years ago, I had a boss who gave me this advice, and sure enough, I was looking at an eight percent raise exactly 90 days later! At the end of the day, it’s pretty hard for them to say no when you did exactly what they outlined.
(3) If you’re feeling rundown or overworked:
Try spending ten minutes every morning to schedule your day and assess your priorities—and then email them to your manager. Too often our instinct is to buckle down and do the work, rather than assessing what’s actually important. Focusing on transparency will not only get you the recognition you deserve but also allow your boss to reassess your plate and reallocate resources.
(4) If you’re realizing the job doesn’t have the perks you wanted:
Try redefining how you look at perks. Rather than focusing on what you wish you had, try making a list of all the things you are getting from your employer—even if it’s as simple as an employee discount, and make the most out of those perks by the end of the year. If you’re lusting after more vacation days, but are working remotely, try working from a local airbnb or from your family’s house. Wish your job came with a gym membership? Get a doctor’s note and talk to your health insurance provider to see if they can cover your membership or some home equipment. Trust me: after a little bit of research, I wrote off a new home exercise bike as a medical expense thanks to IRS Publication 969 and 502!
(5) If you’re feeling like you want to change teams or departments:
Try setting up informal one-on-ones with people from around the office to hear more about their roles and responsibilities. Be sure to follow-up after you meet to thank them for their time and, if you’re still interested, offer up some of your own to help on a specific project. Just make sure you’re volunteering time that doesn’t take you away from your current responsibilities.
(6) If you’re wanting to forgo your entire industry and strike out on your own:
Try taking a deep breath and giving yourself some time to prepare. Rather than ditching your job, try taking online courses and learning new skills to help prep you for what’s next, while still having the safety net of your current gig. Make time every day (even if it’s just 15 minutes) to set yourself up for success, whether it’s creating a new portfolio site, setting up your website or having your friend snap some new headshots.
Look, I get it. It can be easy to want to turn against your current role, whether it’s complaining about office politics or your never-ending to-do list. But you have the power to change your circumstances here; the power to squeeze out all that your current job has to offer.
Right now we’re living in a time where so much is outside of our control—but your job doesn’t have to be one of those things.
Mandy spends her days working in public relations, specializing in sustainability and corporate —a job which not only fuels her soul but also pays her San Francisco rent. She spends her (virtually nonexistent) free time exploring the Bay Area craft beer scene, working on her rock collection, and wishing her cat would be the big spoon sometimes. For additional sass and details of her life held together by caffeine and dry shampoo, follow her on twitter @WayToRepresent.
