Career Advice

Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor

Recently, CareerBuilder.com and Disney Parks took a look at the idea of dream jobs and the people living out their fantasies. According to their survey of over 6,000 workers nationwide, a staggering 84 percent of people say they aren't in their dream jobs. What's the biggest thing missing? Fun.

"What defines a dream job is surprisingly reminiscent of childhood wishes for many workers. Workers said they want to enjoy their work experience, apply their talents and feel like they're making an impact," says Richard Castellini, senior career advisor for CareerBuilder.com. "Having fun at work was the most important attribute of a dream job for 39 percent of workers, which heavily outweighed the 12 percent who said salary was most important."

Who's Living the Dream?

Professions reporting the highest percentage of those feeling they are already in their dream jobs included police and firefighters, teachers, real estate professionals, engineers, travel professionals and nurses. Those professions with the least amount of workers feeling they have their dream jobs included accommodations/food services, manufacturing and retail.

"As children, excitement and imagination played a major role in defining career paths. We dreamed of becoming firefighters, princesses and dancers," says Castellini. "But today, a majority of workers aren't living out the aspirations they had 20, 30, or even 40 years ago."

Finding Your Dream Job

So, how do you go about landing your dream job?

Learn more.
Research your dream career and investigate those industry trends. Sign up for a class related to your dream job or one that will teach you relevant skills. Investigate similar jobs and their pay.

Find a success story.
Talk to someone who has your dream job and ask about the steps taken to get there. Ask for advice and any secrets for success. You may be surprised to learn the downsides of your dream career. But don't get discouraged -- this can help you fine-tune your goals.

Take inventory.
What's keeping you from going for your dream job? Is it lack of training or education, the desire to pay off debt, family obligations or relocation? Map out a specific strategy for tackling each factor that might be an impediment.

Step back.
If you can afford it, consider accepting a lower-paying position that may get you closer to your dream job. People sometimes sacrifice dreams in lieu of short-term gains. Your decision could ultimately help you achieve your goals.

Seek expert advice.
Visit a career counselor to discuss your interests and help you establish a path and stay on it to attain your desired outcome. Before taking a job for less pay, talk to a financial planner who can suggest ways to budget if you to take a job for less money.

---

Hot Jobs in a Cooling Economy
As the economy struggles with the impact of mortgage defaults, staff cuts in financial services companies, and the possibility of a recession, are there still areas of job growth, employment and opportunity?

Seven Famous Career Switchers
So great is the number of celebrities who try to make the transition between movies and music or modeling and acting that the trend has become somewhat of a Hollywood cliche...

I've Been Fired! Now What?
According to Business Week, the average employee has a one-in-three chance of getting fired. Here's what you'll need to know in the event that the ax falls on you!

Land Your Dream Job
Walt Disney once said, "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." But what about dream jobs? Can we truly love what we do and get paid for it?

Is Your Dream Job Really Out There?
Having a dream job doesn't necessarily mean not working hard. But it may not be as elusive as you think.

Time For A Career Checkup?
Worried about your job security? Unhappy with your current position? Hoping to get a raise or promotion? Time to review your career management strategies to be sure you are in top form to move up or on.

Q&A: Is it Time For a Career Change?
If money were no object, what kind of work would you love to do?

"Getting Fired Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me!"
Five True Tales

---