Best Job Ever Summary

Are you ready to stop dreading Mondays and start creating a career that truly fits you?

1. Unrealistic expectations often lead to job dissatisfaction

Many people dream about jobs that sound ideal, like traveling the world or achieving high earnings, but these fantasies rarely align with reality. Work, by its very nature, comes with effort and challenges. Holding unreachable expectations can create discontent, even if the job isn't fundamentally bad.

For example, some individuals want a job that requires minimal effort but pays well, akin to winning the lottery. However, these “dream careers” often don’t exist or are incredibly rare. Additionally, people might inaccurately believe switching industries or roles will immediately resolve their unhappiness. The truth is, environment and workplace dynamics, like a bad boss or uncooperative team, play a large role in dissatisfaction.

It’s important to recognize what exactly makes you unhappy in your current role. Dissatisfaction may come from external factors, such as lacking work-life balance or feeling undervalued at a specific company. Consider smaller adjustments, such as transferring to another team or seeking better management in your field before uprooting your entire career.

Examples

• Many list "winning the lottery" as their fantasy job, reflecting unrealistic ideals.
• The Gallup survey found that 87 percent of employees worldwide felt unsatisfied, often for reasons outside their actual job tasks.
• A parent working a travel-heavy job might switch to a local, similar role for greater fulfillment.

2. Acknowledge and manage your fears around change

Fear is a natural reaction to uncertainty, and a career change involves plenty of it. Common worries include fears of failure, financial instability, and adapting to a new work culture. Ignoring these fears won’t help; actively managing them will.

Start by listing uncertainties you associate with a career switch. Then identify the root cause of those fears and create a “despite” statement for each. For instance, “Despite fearing a few months without income, I can pursue a new role because I have savings as a safety net.” This cognitive approach allows you to neutralize irrational fears and address valid ones head-on.

Facing fear through preparation empowers you to act. The overwhelming scope of change becomes manageable when broken into smaller, realistic steps. Writing down these fears and their respective solutions enables clarity for your next course of action.

Examples

• Writing "Despite financial risks, I am prepared due to my emergency savings" reframes financial fear positively.
• Fear of adapting to a new workplace can be addressed by researching the company culture beforehand.
• A list of valid concerns, such as skill gaps, can guide proactive training or education.

3. Grab control with a five-year career plan

Big changes feel achievable when approached through careful milestones. Developing a focused, detailed roadmap for career transitions offers a clear path forward. By visualizing where you want to be in one, three, and five years, you can align actionable steps with your aspirations.

Writing down specifics, such as desired salary, role type, industry, or management responsibilities for each period, serves as a navigational guide. Create a timeline that bridges gaps between your current state and future vision. Documenting what’s necessary (like skills or networking) ensures you stay focused without being overwhelmed by the larger goal.

Breaking your timeline into smaller achievements removes fear and enhances confidence. Whether gaining certifications or attending related workshops, smaller accomplishments contribute toward your dream role.

Examples

• Mapping where you want your career to be in 1, 3, and 5 years creates concise benchmarks.
• A project manager wishing to become a director might add "learning budgeting" as a short-term goal.
• Setting measurable actions, like enrolling in a training course, achieves milestones gradually.

4. Build genuine relationships to grow opportunities

Networking isn’t about cold, transactional interactions; it's about fostering genuine connections. Your biggest resource for making a career change often lies within your existing personal and professional network.

Think of networking as building relationships with goodwill. Start by re-engaging with current contacts or making new ones at events, conferences, or online communities with relevant professionals. Interactions don’t always need to lead to immediate results – demonstrating interest and sincerity ensures long-term bonds.

Regular check-ins with contacts, even if infrequent, strengthen relationships effectively. A simple email about an article they might enjoy keeps the connection warm. These small touchpoints can open job opportunities and provide valuable insights later.

Examples

• Reaching out three times annually to contacts keeps relationships strong.
• Brief questions at an industry event, like "What about your job excites you?" begin impactful conversations.
• An accountant you befriended might introduce you to potential employers or industry leaders.

5. Test career options like sampling supermarket food

Before committing to a new career, testing the waters allows you to assess if it genuinely suits you. Much like sampling free food at a store, career exploration can prevent major mistakes and ease transitions.

Ask your current employer to trial different job responsibilities within the organization. If changing industries, search for "trial periods" offered by certain companies, or consider volunteering part-time in roles you’re curious about. Another way to test the waters is engaging professionals working in the field for informational interviews.

This exploratory phase reduces uncertainty and opens space for reflection. By experiencing potential roles firsthand, you equip yourself to make better decisions about your next steps.

Examples

• A company offering trial positions could let you explore fit before committing.
• Volunteering in marketing for a nonprofit while transitioning from sales provides real-life experience.
• Informational interviews uncover aspects only people in the field can highlight.

6. Solid preparation alleviates financial and mental stresses

Any big career move can carry risks, particularly around finances or self-doubt during challenging periods. Preparation lets you navigate these hurdles with stability and resilience.

Begin with ensuring financial safeguards, like savings to cover several months' expenses. Simultaneously prepare for emotional challenges by mentally bracing yourself for potential setbacks. Accepting that transitions often start daunting helps you stay focused on progress.

Treat preparation like an investment in your future self. From budgeting adequately to fine-tuning resumes or portfolios, anticipating hiccups puts you in control when things don’t go smoothly.

Examples

• The author shared a personal experience where facing thesis criticism without quitting helped complete his doctorate.
• Building liquid savings ensures career explorations aren’t derailed by money concerns.
• Practicing mental reframing turns negative thoughts into motivation.

Takeaways

1. Identify specifics about what makes your current role unsatisfactory, then decide whether a small shift or full career change is necessary.
2. Create a five-year transition plan using one, three, and five-year milestones to break down your big goals into manageable steps.
3. Regularly maintain genuine relationships within your network to leverage them when exploring new career paths or opportunities.