Close your eyes and imagine working your dream job. You wake each day and are excited to start work because you’re doing something you love, and are proud of. The work is challenging but that’s OK because you’re using your unique set of skills to create something, or provide a meaningful service. You feel support from your manager and you enjoy collaborating with colleagues. The pay is great and you don’t worry about providing for yourself and family. You are secure because of the medical benefits, freedom, and flexibility your employer provides. You know it’s OK to take time off because your employer knows a meaningful life consists of much more than your job. According to Resume.io, generally speaking this is what your like looks like if you’re working your dream job.

Why finding your dream job is important

If you’re not working your dream job, chances are you relate to more than half of the United States workforce who feels stress at work. In fact, according to the 2021 State of Global Workplace Report, 57% of workers experience high stress on the job. Work stress is often ignored, but it’s not surprising that stress at work leads to low employee engagement, lack of focus and productivity, poor performance, and an increase in absences and tardiness. It can also lead to burnout. Burnout is a recognized workplace phenomenon characterized by severe fatigue, feelings of dread and negativity, and reduced effectiveness in the workplace as a result of overworking. It is more than feeling fatigued at work. The World Health Organization uses these three questions as a guide to determine if you might be burned out:

• Are you feeling emotional or physical exhaustion?
• Are you extremely negative about your current role?
• Are you less effective than usual at work?

Remember you deserve more!

It doesn’t have to be this way, and you deserve more! If you truly like the work and it brings you purpose, take some time to evaluate your current options within the company. Be sure to establish clear work boundaries with yourself, your supervisor, and colleagues. Reset your life as a priority — what would that look like? Write it down as a reminder everyday. Find outside support and be sure to practice self care. If you implement these steps, you might just find yourself working in your dream job. But if dislike your job, the manager and your colleagues, or you don’t expect the situation to improve, start looking for employment elsewhere. You deserve more!

Still searching for my dream job

As for me, well, I’ve come very close, but I’m still searching for my dream job. I’ve experienced a supportive work-life with a great manager, and a collaborative team, so I know how amazing and productive that is. I’ve invested a great deal of time and money in my education, and I’m committed to the sciences, conservation and the environment. I know my dream job is out there, and I’ll find it. At the heart of things, I can check some boxes for 2022 career accomplishments. If you found your dream job and perfect work situation recently, congratulations! If you’re like me and still looking, just remember you’re worth it!