In reality, no job is ever perfect, but there is nothing wrong with fantasizing about your ideal job. In fact, it may help you set goals for current employment and your future career. Your fantasy job can help you evaluate real jobs. Real jobs come in three forms: Survival Jobs, Bridge Jobs, and Career Jobs. All three require skills and the ability to describe your skills.

Fantasy Job
Have some fun and think about your dream job. If you could create your perfect job, what would it be? What would you be doing? Think about your skills, interests and values. Think about the location, work schedule, wages, benefits and level of responsibility you desire. What types of people do you want to associate with, and how? Consider your interests and values. Think about the physical surroundings, size of the business, management style, social atmosphere and whether it's for-profit or non-profit. To help you out, think about the questions below.

* What would you be doing on your ideal job?
* What skills are you using in your ideal job?
* For what activities and tasks are you responsible? What is your work role?
* What are your co-workers like? How about your supervisor?
* What are you wearing (jeans, suit, dress, uniform, etc.)?
* What hours are you working?
* Where is your job located?
* What words would you use to describe your dream job and work environment?

Write down your thoughts. If it helps, find a good listener who will also help you "think out loud." Describe your dream job on a blank sheet of paper.

* Do you have the skills, right now, to get your dream job?
* Is this type of work available in the area you live or where you plan to live? How do you know?
* In reality, are you currently qualified for the work you described above?
* If your answer is "No" to any of these questions, consider the most important qualities of your dream job that you might find in other types of work.

You should have plenty of stimulation to help you think through your fantasy job. Now for the reality check. What is it about your fantasy job, if anything, that you could realize or accomplish in the next three months? The next year? The next three years? The next five or ten years? Do you have a plan to get from where you are to where you REALLY want be? Understanding the three types of "real" jobs may help you.

Survival Jobs -- these jobs pay the bills. They are probably less than ideal and may not really fit your personality and interests. Sometimes you need to take a Survival Job while you continue looking for a work opportunity with more potential, or look for a job that better fits your personality and interests. Survival Jobs can be useful in other ways, too. The references you receive from Survival Jobs may determine whether you get any other kind of job! And there is nothing wrong with surviving, after all.

Bridge Jobs -- these jobs are a step in the right direction. They may be necessary for a variety of good reasons. They somehow put you closer to your ideal kind of work. The key ingredient of a Bridge Job is that it helps you become more qualified for a Career Job. For example, a Bridge Job may provide experience and the opportunity to develop key skills. Bridge Jobs are the difference between just "having a job" and "pursuing a career."

Career Jobs -- these jobs have most of what you are looking for -- and working toward. They may include opportunity for advancement, further learning and skills training, if those things are important to you. The pay is satisfactory; you are proud of what you do; you go to work each day with a big smile on your face. You are comfortable with your lifestyle and can provide for your family. Career jobs are as close to your ideal job as you may find. Career jobs will help fulfill your sense of purpose.

Many people get stuck in a survival rut because they are not aware of other options (we call this underemployment). Others do not spend enough time learning about occupations they are considering. Most people, however, get stuck because they never take time to consider what they REALLY want. Others fail to devise a plan on how to achieve their career goals. Others just fail to execute because they lacked the courage necessary to do something that is difficult in order to get something they truly desire.

Several factors may influence the kind of job you need to find right now. What real or imagined barriers do you face? How long can you afford not to work? Once again, are you qualified, now, for a career job? You may need to take a job to survive, for the time being. Or you may need to find a job where you can build your skills and responsibilities enough to enter the career of your choosing. Try not to expect too much, or certainly too little, from your next job. Learn to make the most of every opportunity.

Mark A. Sturgell, CBC, is a Certified Business Coach and Certified Career Specialist, as well as president of Performance Development Network. Mark coaches individuals to discover their hidden potential and achieve more. He helps organizations develop cultures where continuous learning and improvement, higher levels of achievement, standards of excellence and exceeding customer expectations prevail…because organizations don’t fail, people do.