How to Find Your Dream Job

How to Find Your Dream Job

You can find your dream job.

Some of you might be feeling a bit lost right now. You are about to graduate, and the future seems uncertain. Maybe you’re worried about finding the right job. Perhaps you’re scared of making the wrong choice. I get it. We’ve all been there.

When I was in your shoes, I got my first job two months before graduation. I applied to be a substitute teacher in the high school department of our college. I had no plan of becoming a teacher. I took Political Science because I wanted to be a Human Rights lawyer. But like many of my classmates, I was looking forward to having a job after college. Getting one before graduation made it feel special. During that time, I was getting 6500 pesos for teaching 8 subjects a day.

You see, most of us have been taught to find a job in a certain way. We look for companies we’ve heard of. We take the first offer that comes our way. We settle for entry-level positions because that’s what everyone else is doing.

But what if I told you there’s a better way? A way that’s personal and unique to you.

Think of an iceberg. You only see the tip above the water. But there’s so much more hidden beneath the surface.

The same goes for job opportunities. Right now, you might only see a few options. But there are countless opportunities out there, waiting for those who seek them.

Today, I’m going to share a secret with you. It’s a way to uncover those hidden opportunities. It’s a way to find a job you’re passionate about, a job you’re great at, and a job that can sustain you financially.

So, stay with me. I promise by the end of this talk, you’ll find the path to your dream job more clearly. You’ll understand how to find work that truly makes you happy. And you’ll have the tools to start your journey with confidence.

Let’s dive in and discover what’s beneath the surface.

The Safe but Limited Path

Most of us follow a familiar path when searching for a job after college. As you heard from my story, I was like everyone who felt pressured to take the first job offer that came my way. We don’t want to be that someone who has not found a job months after graduation.

The excitement of landing a job, any job, can be overwhelming.

We often feel pressured to take the first job offer that comes our way. And so, we accept positions that are convenient, even if they don’t fully align with our interests or strengths.

It was not uncommon to accept minimum wage to get a job. Many believe that to get accepted, the entry-level position and the minimum wage is the “practical decision”.

We believe it’s the natural starting point because everyone else is doing it. The idea of working our way up seems like the only option.

But what if I told you there’s more to explore?

Just like the hidden part of the iceberg, there are many opportunities out there that we don’t see right away.

By following the conventional path, we might miss out on jobs that truly fit our passions and strengths.

It’s time to look beyond the surface and discover those hidden opportunities.

Let’s move away from the traditional mindset and find a way that’s unique to each of us.

Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs

When it comes to finding jobs, many of us are influenced by a traditional mindset that can limit our potential. Let’s take a closer look at some of these common beliefs.

First, there’s the fear of risk and uncertainty. We often choose the safe and familiar path because stepping into the unknown is scary. The fear of failure holds us back from exploring opportunities that might truly excite us.

Societal expectations and peer pressure also play a big role. We feel the need to follow a certain path because that’s what our friends are doing or what our families expect of us. We aim for jobs that are considered respectable or stable, even if they don’t align with our true interests.

Then, there’s the belief that fresh graduates can’t quickly move into supervisory or managerial roles. Many think that these positions are reserved for those with years of experience. This mindset makes us settle for entry-level roles, assuming that we have to climb the ladder slowly.

These traditional beliefs can cloud our judgment and limit our aspirations.

But the truth is, the job market is full of possibilities.

Break free from these conventional thoughts. Open yourself up to a world of opportunities that align with your passions and strengths.

Challenge these outdated notions and start thinking differently about your careers.

Uncover the hidden opportunities and find the path truly meant for you.

Your Path to a Dream Job is Unique

The path to your dream job is unique and personal. It is guided by your passions, strengths, and the value you can offer.

You don’t have to follow the crowd or settle for the first opportunity that comes your way. Instead, discover a job that aligns perfectly with who you are and what you love to do.

And remember, your dream job might not just be about finding the right employer—it could also mean creating your path as an entrepreneur.

Aligning Passion, Strength, and Value

Let’s talk about the Hedgehog Concept, a powerful way to find your dream job by focusing on three key areas:

1. What you are deeply passionate about: Think about the activities that make you lose track of time. What subjects or tasks excite you? What are you always eager to learn more about or improve in?
2. What you can be the best in the world at: Everyone has unique strengths and talents. What skills do you excel at naturally? What feedback do you consistently receive from others about your abilities?
3. What drives your economic engine: This is about finding a job that not only fulfills you but also sustains you financially. What roles in your field offer the best opportunities for economic stability and growth?

The intersection of these three circles is your sweet spot—the place where your passion, strengths, and economic potential align. This is where you’ll find your dream job, whether it’s as an employee or an entrepreneur.

Mini-Workshop: Find Your Dream Job

To help you find your sweet spot, we’re going to do a workshop.

I’ll provide you with a worksheet that will guide you through the process of discovering your passions, recognizing your strengths, and understanding your economic opportunities.

Workshop Steps:

1. Identify Your Passions:
   • List activities, subjects, or hobbies that you are deeply passionate about.
   • Reflect on what excites you and makes you lose track of time.
2. Recognize Your Strengths:
   • List your key skills and talents.
   • Gather feedback from friends, family, and mentors about your strengths.
3. Understand Your Economic Opportunities:
   • Research industries and roles that align with your passions and strengths.
   • Identify which opportunities offer financial sustainability and growth.
4. Find the Intersection:
   • Use the worksheet to visualize where your passions, strengths, and economic opportunities intersect.
   • This intersection is your sweet spot.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a clearer understanding of where your dream job lies. You’ll be better equipped to seek out or create opportunities that align with your unique combination of passion, strengths, and economic engine.

Create Your Personal Action Plan

You’ve just participated in a workshop that has given you the tools to discover your passions, recognize your strengths, and understand your economic opportunities.

Now, it’s time to put this knowledge into action.

Here’s one immediate step you can take:

Create Your Personal Action Plan

1. Review Your Workshop Worksheet:Look over the insights you’ve gathered about your passions, strengths, and economic opportunities.
2. Set a Clear Goal:Based on the intersection of these three areas, define a specific goal for your dream job. This could be a particular role, a type of company you want to work for, or even an idea for your own business.
3. Identify Your Next Steps:
   • Write down three concrete actions you can take this week to move closer to your goal. This might include:
     • Researching potential employers or industries
     • Reaching out to a mentor or professional in your desired field
     • Starting a side project or blog related to your passion
4. Commit to Taking Action:
   • Schedule time in your calendar to complete these actions. Treat them as non-negotiable appointments with your future.

Taking this first step will help you build momentum and start moving toward your dream job. Remember, the journey begins with a single action. Your dream job is within reach. Start your journey today by taking this first, crucial step.