EIGHT STEPS TO FINDING AND CREATING THE WORK YOU LOVE

Michele Warg
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Many of us are still trying to figure out what we want to be when we grow up. We may have good jobs and nice paychecks, but we are not really happy in our work. We daydream about the “what if’s” in our life and long for the chance to discover and explore the job of our dreams. Identifying your dream job and the path that will take you there is both a challenge and an opportunity. But by following a realistic step-by-step “vocationing” process, you can pursue your interests and passions to the job of your dreams. Define Your Dream Job(s) What are your passions and your interests? What activities give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction? Can you envision yourself in a job that fully engages your heart and your mind? You may still be trying to figure out what you want to be when you grow up. That’s okay. The “vocationing” process gives you the opportunity to explore, experiment, and discover what your dream job is and how to pursue it. Address Your Fears Financial instability, family disruption, giving up an identity, failing at something new. These are all fears that may stand in the way of pursuing your dream job. The biggest thing you can do to get past these fears is to meet them head-on. Bring these deepest fears to light and examine them with reason; talk about them; play each one out to its most irrational end. What is the worst thing that could happen? Do Your Research Internal and external research helps you discover who you are and what kind of work meshes with your deepest self. Do your homework and access resources ranging from the Internet to one-on-one contact with people on-the-job to determine if what you think is your dream job, truly is your dream job. Find a Mentor Inspirational, experienced, realistic, forthcoming and optimistic. A good mentor is all of these things and eager to help someone else get started. Recruiting a mentor who is a good match for you requires following a plan of action, asking the right questions, and building a relationship that is mutually satisfying. Having a mentor is the crux to the vocationing process. Whether you’re 20-something, 30-something, 40-something, 50-something or even 60-something, you need a mentor! Test Drive Your Dream Job There’s no better way to learn than by doing. Test-driving your dream job with a mentor provides a hands-on experience that has the potential to change your life. This is the opportunity to learn as much as possible about the job, how you feel about the day-to-day activities, and what it takes to succeed. Whether your mentorship proves your perceived dream job is indeed your dream job or if it is a reality check illuminating that the job is not the one of your dreams, the mentorship experience gives you the required personal and professional due diligence you need prior to making a career decision. Create an Action Plan Pursuing a dream job is less a leap than a series of incremental steps that move you closer to your goal. What is critical to reaching that goal is making sure the steps you follow are the right ones. An action plan is needed. If you make a list of all the things you need to learn and do in order to realize your dream job, you will have mapped out a plan for moving ahead. A knowledgeable action plan provides you with the power to forge ahead. Establish Thresholds The biggest reason we pursue our dream job is to increase our life satisfaction. It is important to understand how much risk, challenge, and uncertainty you can tolerate before the life satisfaction goal becomes blurred by the process. The vocationing process is as much about what you learn on the journey as the rewards when you reach your destination. Think Big, Start Small You don’t have to quit your nine-to-five job to pursue your dream job. Obligations and concerns may take you down a less-than-direct path. It may take months, not weeks….years, not months. If you are patient and creative, you can keep your career transition moving forward. The vocationing process will get you from Point A to Point B. Brian Kurth is the founder of VocationVacations and the author of “Test-Drive Your Dream Job” Kurth is a sought after expert on how to pursue and attain one’s dream job. He has shared his wit and wisdom in appearances on NBC’s TODAY Show, CNN, and FOX News, and has been featured in articles in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and Fortune Magazine. Many more regularly turn to Brian for his comments, advice and insights. A native of Madison, Wisconsin, Kurth lives in Portland, Oregon. For more information on VocationVacations, visit www.vocationvacations.com

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  • Victoria Mirabello
    Victoria Mirabello •
    This message is to Vicki, technical writer. Vicki, ?have you considered grant writing? Most all healthcare organizations that conduct clinical research trials have a grants administration office. It may be worth checking out see if your skills set as technical writer would transfer/qualify for grant writer position? Good luck on your job search, Best, Vicki
  • Judy Hall
    Judy Hall •
    In 2007, after 8 years of working in a clerical job at Yale University, I was laid off. The Union contract allowed me to be put in the labor pool for 18 months. During that time, I applied for over 80 jobs and did not obtain one so I was let go. Fortunately, I found a temp job that I really like. The company has not been doing well and had layoffs and 2 pay cuts. I'm making just above minimum wage with no benefits. I have an A.S. degree, B.F.A. degree & M.S. degree which have not benefited me at all. It hurts to see the company hire employees and not me. I've asked many times but have been turned down. So far since January 2011, I applied to over 100 jobs without any luck. My technical computer skills are up to date. I'm 54 years old and starting to panic because I've used up all my savings just to survive here in Connecticut. Any ideas?
  • Nadine M
    Nadine M •
    I'm 55 and was laid off this year in March. Everyone that was part of the "Workforce Reduction" was over 45 and most were close to being vested. I know it wasn't performance because I got great work reviews and earned my bonus every year.  I agree with Fred, it's a reality not an excuse.  Unfortunately I don't think employers know what they want.  I do know they are under-hiring-which makes those working unhappy with their salary and are being asked to do the work of 2 people in most workplaces.  This makes the people working looking for better paying jobs.  Condequently it makes the job hunt more challenging especially for those of us over 50.
  • Laurie G.
    Laurie G. •
    I am still in College and a Certified Medical Office Worker looking for a job that is sitting down. Like a receptionist or billing, insurances, etc. The pay has to start at least $15.00 an hour. So if you can find me a job in that pay range then I will take it. But I do need a job or I will lose my home that I love. Thank you.
  • Ray
    Ray •
    I'm a 20-something fresh out of college with a BS in a computer related field and I haven't been able to find employment in my field at all.  Everywhere I turn they want someone who is experienced, leaving me under-qualified because I can't even get my foot in the door.  I was never qualified for scholarships or grants when attending school and I'll have loan payments to pay in about a month.  I'm with several temp agencies and so far none have found any work for me.  Could it be my location, I've wondered?  I don't know.  The only work I have been able to find was based on a hobby of mine entertaining people for fundraisers and other public functions.  It's not going to pay any bills but it is some income to pay off living expenses.  I don't know what much I can do but apply, apply, apply.
  • Judy M
    Judy M •
    I am 54 and was laid off a year and a half ago.  I had been working in the residential property management field for the past 13 years.  I truly enjoyed my job but like so many I found my self unemployed.  I am finding it very hard in finding work in this field. I do not believe in sitting around and not doing any thing, so I fell back on another skill that I have and found a job in security.  Even though I work as a security officer, I have always had a dream of having my own management company.  During my research I have found that there are a lot of people that have small properties and need someone to manage them. If I could find a way to get this off the ground I know I could do a great job and help a lot of people.
  • Susan B.
    Susan B. •
    As a 55 year old who was also laid off after a company takeover/consolidation, I would like to add that attitude is everything. True, the economy is driving some uncomfortable changes in the standard business models we are used to. I have responded by this by honing my resume, developing resumes addressed to the specific employment arenas where my skills will transfer easily and try to target the places where I upload it or make applications. I am working with several recruiters.I would like to add that unemployment can be negative or it can be expansive. I have lost weight while unemployed and taken advantage of many free tutorials online so I can learn new software. I am not sitting by passively, I am volunteering and staying involved. The worst part of unemployment is being unable to reconcile the loss we feel and the uncertainty we face. However, if we don't accept that our jobs are not something we own, we won't be able to move on and get reemployed. Don't get caught up in rejection, use it as a chance to learn what the market is saying it wants from you and adapt. growtth is everything. I have had five excellent contacts regarding good positions for hire, this week.
  • Fred
    Fred •
    In response to mainly Vicki although she may not read it. Unfortunately our corporate world only requires ehtics FROM their employees in most cases today. They say they are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate against age. Why then in my last job was I let go? I had multiple patents on my first project there... $x00k annual savings on cost reduction initiatives, several new successful product development packages I engineered. And then they were bought out by a large conglomerate states away and soon, I along with a large% was let go. And over 90% were over 45 years old. Why? Because they posed iminent health problems, too high salaries, too many children, too imobile, too much vacation accumulated, too much baggage! I'm sorry Vicki, but to me there are only two options. 1) you swallow your pride and take a lower job paying less and working for someone half your age, or 2) you find a way to take all the skillsets you have aquired through the years and do your own thing. You could get the computer skills you lack but in the end I don't think they are the real issues. Our world isn't perfect but it's what we have to work with. I wish you the best.
  • Vicki
    Vicki •
    I read this article hoping for some insight that might shed some light on my current work difficulties, but alas, it did not.I am 62, I have been unemployed for over 18 months, and the employment prospects in my field look bleak. I am a technical writer and worked in the aerospace/manufacturing industries most of my working career. I have better-than-average to excellent computer skills. During my time-off I have had several good interviews, but I did not get the job. I've had my name submitted for contract positions, and I did not get the job. In each case, I've been told that they hired someone who they felt "was a better fit for the position." Nothing wrong with me, they say - just someone else was a better fit. I've tried to find out just what was it that distinguished the person they hired from me, and I can't get an answer.I don't know where to go from here. I've looked at other possibilities - editor, technical illustrator, configuration management analyst - but my experience there is not as strong, and we are in a very difficult job situation here.One thing I have thought about trying is writing from home, and I've done a number of things that were creatively satisfying, but not financially rewarding. I feel stuck and panicky. You say play out your fantasies to their worst possible conclusion -- well, I have, and that is pretty bleak. I have researched every avenue I can think of, tried to examine everything I've done, I don't know how many plans of action I've started... I don't know what to do anymore. Any thoughts?
  • Julie
    Julie •
    To Beverly:  You might also try, if you're unemployed, applying at at temp agency.  There you can learn for free all the computer programs you want or need AND you can learn on their computers when you want.  After taking the program tutorial, you take the test, & if you pass they (the agency) will send you on jobs requiring that skillset - depending on how well you did on the test.  I used to be a temp & that is how I learned WordPerfect & MS Word.  Granted, nowadays finding any type of job is hard work (& in Sacramento temp work hasn't exactly been coming in droves) it's a very cheap & viable way to learn computer skills.
  • Michelle
    Michelle •
    I'm 56 years old too, and I have over 38 years of work experience in so many fields. It has helped me to get a wealth of work ethics, hands on training in some of every industry, Fortune 500 Companies and Corporations and the knowledge that you don't have to have a degree of any kind to make it in this workforce world. On the other hand, I am pursing schooling to obtain my vocational process "Dream Job" of helping other people to obtain a job. I can do that by opening up my own Career Center. But I can't do that without schooling.
  • Dave Bankes
    Dave Bankes •
    I did it. Always wanted to write, so I just sat down one day and started. Now I have 5 books on the market and I'm working on several more!
  • Michelle DeMarco
    Michelle DeMarco •
    Age is nothing but a NUMBER!  If you're in your 40's, 50's or 60's and are thinking about going back to school...GO FOR IT! I am 31 years old and still have no major direction in life.  I am currently enrolled in a Master's Program, which will not even guarantee work for me when I'm done.  I am doing it anyway.  You have to go for what you want.  I plan on making every effort I can to get a job that I enjoy.  
  • Glynis Mcduffey
    Glynis Mcduffey •
    I am 45 years old and just got an AA with no focus. I would like to continue my education and get a degree in social work, but my housing contract insists that I can't be a full time student. They insist that I obtain full time employment.  If I can't go to school full time, I don't qualify for grants that pay my tuition. If I don't qualify for grants, I can't afford to attend school. So, I am stumped with an AA and no job.
  • Kandace Morrow
    Kandace Morrow •
    Yes, I am a 43 year old administrative assistant, who decided to finally go back and finish my bachelors degree. It was interesting that it only took 25 years from when I actually graduated high school. Just enrolled in my masters program and just embracing the learning that comes with it. Never too late to learn and make changes.
  • Glendora Claybrooks
    Glendora Claybrooks •
    Yes, going back to school is frightening, but the outcome is well worth it... Even though I am unable to land my dream job, I feel great knowing that I have skills that are transferable and academically relevant. My KSAO'Cs (knowldege,skills,abilities & other characteristics) are useful in any environment. I have attained my Master's Degree in Health Administration and have over 36 hours toward my Master's in Public Administration. I have grantwriting, leadership,management, administrative,problem-solving, implementation,program evaluation, project management,conflict resolution,excellent writing & verbal communications,interpreting, analytical, and data tracking skills to name a few.Yes I am over the age of 55. I'm loving learning!
  • Brenda McAllister
    Brenda McAllister •
    This article was great for me. I really enjoyed it. I went back to school at the age of 44 and got my GED. Then went back 6 months later and got an Associate Degree in Human Resource. It's was fun and fulfilling. Now I have choices. I don't have to take the first thing that comes along.I continue to work as a seamstress because I love it, but I can get other jobs if I need too. I continue to study computer skills, because my typing is just a little slow, but I love to research the internet. So go for it! Going back to school was great for me, you just might enjoy it TOO!
  • Deborah
    Deborah •
    Gretchen in so right on!  I am 56 years old, and I made a lot of mistakes in the past, but I did keep up with my computer skills.  Depending on where you live, you could go to your local adult school and take basic computer classes way less than $120.00. In fact, you can train yourself for free by going on the Microsoft website and search for their training/tutoring area.  You can train yourself in Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook which are the basics.  Don't let your age hold you back; I just applied to go back to school to get my B.A. degree.   Times have changed; 55 is not old anymore - it's the new 30!  Best of luck!
  • Gretchen
    Gretchen •
    Advice to Beverly:  Put yourself in the employers position. Why should they "wait" and spend time training you in basic skills when there are hundreds of already computer-trained individuals ready to take the job? You've just answered your own question. You are putting the responsibility of training on the employer when it really should be on YOU. The reality is that you need to take control of your situation. If you want to work in an office environment, then you need to take some classes at your community college to at least learn Microsoft Office (this includes Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Trust me, the experience will be nothing like going to "college" with 18-year olds. Many of the classes in my locality meet for a few hours twice a week for 3 weeks, or 8 hours on a Saturday and cost about $120 to enroll. You can also check with your chamber of commerce, public library or even AARP to find out about possible computer training classes in your city. Within a few months you could have some very marketable skills. Don't have the money for classes?  Do some networking and ask a potential employer if they might let you "intern" at minimum wage for 2 weeks to learn the business (and computer skills), with the option of hiring you on full-time. Get creative! Using your age as an excuse makes me think you are just ready to "coast" for the next 10 years until retirement, and would rather have it handed to you instead of making an effort. 55 is not old unless you make it so. If you're not willing to try some things to better yourself then you don't belong in the modern business world.
  • Beverly Weaver
    Beverly Weaver •
    I am 55 and will be 56 years old in March.  My only experience is in the reception field with data entry filing and clerical.  I also have mail room experience.  I have very limited experience on the pc which I have been told holds me back from many opportunities.  I know a little bit about software and if there was someone there showing me how it works and would be accessable to me I have no doubt all of it would make sense along with day to day repatition it would sink in.  Employers do not want to wait which leaves me and many like me out in the street.  I do not want to go to college or a trade school because of my age.  What do I and thousands like me do?

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