Dream Job

Of course, there are also other factors that influence our job satisfaction. Studies have shown that employees who can't stand their job, whether it's due to poor working conditions or a bad boss, but don't want to quit. One of the main reasons is the particularly good relationship with colleagues. Conversely, bad colleagues can also be a good reason to quit a "dream job". This aspect seems to be a gamble. In my experience, the workplace atmosphere is one of the most important factors for job satisfaction, whether it's good, tolerable, or bad. If it's bad, it's best for your own health to look for a new challenge.

Besides the theory I've described in this blog, the reality for some is that a bad job is simply necessary to pay the bills. However, I would still advise not to completely give up on your dreams. Even if it seems difficult and impossible, acquire "career capital". While cooking or eating, maybe even in the bathroom, turn on online videos and acquire skills you didn't have before. As an example, I learned how to use graphic programs and now design Tshirts, sweaters, and hoodies for you, which you can purchase here. My journey is far from over, and hopefully, you'll see a constantly improving quality of the designs, be excited for the new collection :-)

As a supplement to the blog "self-determined," this blog is aimed at everyone who is still searching for their dream job or is not satisfied with their current job. As mentioned in "self-determined," it's totally okay if interests change and one wants to reorient themselves. In this blog, I analyze whether the "dream job" really exists and how realistic it is to find it. Relevant to the topic, I recommend the book "Die Traumjoblüge" by Cal Newport.

If we are lucky to be born into a family that always praises us and encourages our hobbies, even though we are terrible at them, for example, in sports or playing music, we slowly realize in our professional life that we are not as good as we thought. There's nothing wrong with a happy childhood, but it's more interesting to see how this affects our self-assessment and the idea of a dream job.

The general valid idea for maximum job satisfaction is to turn a hobby into a profession and a calling. But how likely or sensible is that? In a 2002 Canadian study, students were asked about their hobbies and passions. 84% said they liked to dance, read, play music, or practice various sports. 4% of the respondents had "more boring" hobbies like programming or something crafty. The result is that the hobbies of the 84% are difficult to transform into a job. The biggest obstacle is the lack of talent and suggests that striving for a vocation that perfectly matches one's own passions is not always realistic or conducive to later job satisfaction. In the end, the more precise definition of a dream job is to perform a job that brings maximum job satisfaction. Newport emphasizes that passion often arises as a result of skill and experience, not the other way around. The idea of first identifying passions or hobbies and then finding a corresponding career is considered critical for job satisfaction.

Compliments and congratulations to all those who have turned their hobbies into a profession or will do so, as their talent suffices. However, for everyone else, it is not hopeless to find happiness in their job. I have identified the following factors for you: motivation, perfection and the courage to change (see self-determined,).

It is always easier to motivate yourself and be happy when you find a sense of purpose in your work. Instead of chasing your hobby, we can analyze what our hobby represents and how the world around us looks in a broader sense. This way, you can define industries and businesses for a career. For example, if your hobby is a sport, look for a sports equipment manufacturer, operators of sports stadiums, sports marketing agencies, sports educators, and so on.

In terms of perfection, I think of the author Newport, who uses the term "career capital" in connection with job satisfaction. You can acquire skills and thus become successful in your profession, increasing your job satisfaction. Let's take the hobby of sports again and assume you have a job in product development at a sports equipment manufacturer. You acquire knowledge of materials and physics and develop a unique product that will revolutionize the sport. This does not require "talent," but merely the acquisition of knowledge and experience.

Would you like to learn more about the topic of "Dream Job" and support me in the process? Then click here on the affiliate link and order the book for yourself.

Source: Die Traumjoblüge: Warum Leidenschaft die Karriere killt, Cal Newport, ‎ Campus Verlag, ISBN 978-3593398136