Is the dream job concept a myth?

Different people have different criteria for dream jobs though they aren't meant to fulfill your needs and make life smooth. Some think good money is important while some rate the job description highly. I feel dream jobs are in our mind. A dream job is a dream as long as we like everything about it: the money, the job-description, the ambience, the work per se, colleagues and designation. In the wake of alterations, it turns sour. Then again, the illusive search continues. Experts say, dream jobs are within your reach as long as you accept reality. So what are these reality checks?

• Myth: I will be happy in my dream job.

Fact: Chances are you will be happy if only you think on that line though the dream run wouldn’t continue forever. There will be many hair-splitting moments and tribulations. Happiness is in your hands, the way you want to see yourself in the next few years and in line with your aspirations.

• Myth: Eventually, I will land a dream job

Fact: You might be happy doing a lot of jobs. So, a dream job concept is a misnomer. Chances are you’ll be happy if you follow your passion. However, the flipside is, passion when converted to your job doesn’t always make you happy as the thrill dies down fast. Though these days the fad is to travel the less taken paths, once you take it up as your job, it doesn’t remain a dream anymore. Mixing a job with a pastime activity is a heady concoction to handle. Get rid of these thoughts. Take up a job in which you're comfortable to make it your dream job.

• Myth: My dream job will pay me well

Fact: At times yes. But if your passion isn’t something that’s monetarily lucrative, then you might end up not earning much however much you like the job. But aren’t there people who make passion their work and still earn decently? I’m sure, for the likes of writers like Jhumpa Lahiri, penning words is their dream job and that’s well-paying. But it’s best not to prop this question to them. Finding passion in a work that makes you happy irrespective of money is more important.

• Myth: My dream job doesn’t exist in reality

Fact: This is somewhat closer to reality. Dream jobs are usually at the mercy of each individual’s interpretation and exactly how you perceive it. You might be amazed at the clerk of a post office who slogs everyday from 9-6 and yet calls it his dream job as it supports his family and takes care of his future when he retires. Again, a scientist at Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), says researching is his dream job as he always wanted to do that though he spends more than 20 hours at the laboratory. So it’s plain mental perception.

• Myth: The ideal job is my dream job

Fact: Very true, but a job is ideal when you do a lot of things and not remain a workaholic at the end of day. Only then, you can restore sanity, be happy and look at life afresh. Again, dream job isn’t the one that just takes care of your needs, but also gives you scope to explore. But don't expect too much out of a job. Separate your work-life to derive complete fun out of it.

Fantasising about dream jobs is common and we often wish that if we convert our hobby to our job, it will make us happy. Wrong. There are many factors which decide whether a job is a dream one or not. Weigh them well before you embark on the right journey to happiness. I would rather stick to my opinion of finding a rewarding career is far more fulfilling, which you'll enjoy doing and also be compensated well.