We often miss out on some of life’s best opportunities because we’re seeking perfection. Think of how many family vacations or first dates have ended up as let-downs because of heightened expectations. In the workplace, many people remain stuck in dead end jobs to avoid the risk of exploring a new opportunity. Most satisfied employees originally accept a job for practical reasons (better salary, better location or for a great boss) and parlay that experience to better and better roles. This practical path can position you into the satisfying job you’ve been dreaming of.
One practical career changer is Bo Burlingham, Inc. Magazine’s editor at large. Bo came to his current role by accident. He initially hated the idea of working for a business magazine and only took the role to support a young family. He ended up finding a way to write about things that mattered to him and blended his practical skills with his passion of covering businesses that excel by giving back.
If you’re stuck in a frustrating job, then now is the best time to find a mentor. Talk to people who you admire and whose personality and skills align with yours. Then, check out their profiles on LinkedIn.
If you’re not sure where to find a mentor, join your alumni network and look at the variety of things that people with your degree are doing. You might be surprised to find useful products and services that you didn’t know about. These could be places for you to explore exciting career options.
Reach beyond what you think you can do. Many companies hire people based on their personality and then find the right fit for you. If you can show genuine excitement, knowledge and an interest in learning more about their line of business, you might get hired for a job that could lead to more fulfilling work.
Get proactive and seek out people and companies that are doing things that you admire. Meet with people who work in that field to gain insight about the field and then make your next move. Just a little bit of open mindedness and flexibility could be the preparation you need for landing the job you’ve always dreamed of. Take the first step and allow things to unfold in your life!
