I was thinking about my practice of asking five questions about my dream job. I learned it from Mitch Brantley, a longtime friend who helped me through a difficult time.
The process forced me to be honest with myself and to ask others for help. I sought feedback from friends and colleagues for each question. It required me to be open and trust others, who fed me the good and the not-so-good reflections of my character, skills, and desires.
Here’s the promise: After completing the questions, I became clear about what I wanted, making my job search significantly more fruitful. I didn’t waste time looking at jobs that didn’t fit my ideal.
The process gave me clarity.
Sometimes, we must do what we must do—work so we can pay the bills. However, with focus and determination, we can move on to the next role that better matches our dream job.
I want to share a simple set of questions that have helped me pinpoint my career direction. Hopefully, they can do the same for you:
1. What am I good at?
Example: For me, this includes translating complex ideas into understandable language, technology, writing, mentoring, public speaking, managing emotions, listening, and handling finances.
Your Turn: List the skills where you shine. Think about what you enjoy doing and where others say you excel. Ask your friends and colleagues for their opinions.
2. What am I not good at?
Example: I struggle with accounting and operations, and I can’t stand long commutes. I am not good at chemistry, biology, or the life sciences.
Your Turn: Identify areas where you feel less competent or tasks you avoid because they drain your energy. Acknowledging these can help you steer your career toward more suitable roles. Seek someone you trust and ask them what they think? What do they see in you? Listen to their feedback.
3. What do I want to do?
Example: I thrive on helping people, writing, teaching, and making a difference in the personal development. I also value the freedom to travel and dress well (I like good clothes) while managing my schedule.
Your Turn: Envision your best day. What are you doing? Who are you helping? What makes you feel fulfilled? Ask your friends and family, “When and where do you see me the happiest?”
4. What do I not want to do?
Example: I avoid sitting in traffic, working in soulless environments, being underpaid, and undertaking tasks that don't align with my values.
Your Turn: List the things that you absolutely want to avoid in your career. Consider environmental factors, types of work, and company cultures that do not suit you. These answers come from within you. Listen to what your instincts are telling you. Be honest with yourself.
5. What would be ideal?
Example: Ideally, I would teach, mentor, write, and engage in public speaking. I’d also listen to others, advise, and strategize while traveling and wearing excellent threads!
Your Turn: Dream without limits. What does your perfect job look like? How does it integrate your skills, desires, and personal values?
This exercise is no joke - it’s about understanding yourself better so that you can pursue a career that truly fits.
Take some time to reflect on these questions, and you'll discover a clearer path to your dream job.
Let's not just find jobs; let’s find roles that ignite our passion and utilize our best talents. What does your ideal career look like? I’d love to hear about it.
You got this!
I love you all.
Robert Christiansen
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