As high school seniors, we've all been thinking not only about the colleges we wish to attend, but potential career paths we may want to pursue as well. With all of the options out there today, it may be hard to narrow down the list to one or two choices. Should you stick with your childhood dream job, or move towards a more practical job given the uncertainty of today's economy? Although it may seem more logical to pursue a career that guarantees stability and income, Diane Barth argues the opposite. She states that daydreams of our ultimate career may actually lead to increased productivity and overall happiness as a result.
So, would it be better to pursue your ideal career, no matter the risk you would be taking given today's economy, or to just take any job that promises financial stability? Do you think you would be better off in the long run knowing that you at least attempted to land your dream job, even if it didn't work out? Do you think that daydreams, as stated in the article, can actually lead us to become more productive and solve this job dilemma?
-Maria Southard
[Couldn't get my own account to work, so I posted from Regan's]
Personally, I think it would also be better for one to pursue their dream career. However, I also believe that the job should be reasonable in this economy. You shouldn't be picking a career that, while it may be your dream, you know won't even give you a shot in the job market. You have to be within reason; choose something that makes you happy and that you would be glad to get up in the morning for. But you also need to be able to get the job for starters.
ReplyDeleteI don't know that it would be better in the long run knowing that you at least attempted to land your dream job, even if it didn't work out. I think it would make me even unhappier, being the perfectionist that I am I would have convinced myself that somewhere along the line I could have worked harder to get there.
As for daydreaming, I don't think it could solve the job issue. I do think it gives us better insight into who we are and can help us find a suitable career for ourselves. However, that career might not be the best job to look for in this economy. But if you're stuck in a job you don't particularly like, then it could also help you to almost 'create' a job for yourself, one that you would enjoy doing and would get you out of having to search for one. In the article, Eleanor does so, and says she is much happier.
I agree with Regan that you should pursue your dream job, but also that you should balance your dream with reason and reality. I think that ultimately pursuing your dream job will lead you to be more invested in your work and more efficient, but I also think that one must keep the reality of our current economic situation in mind. I think that rather than sitting around daydreaming and waiting for their dream jobs to fall into their laps, people should actively pursue their dream jobs. If they do not know what they want to do, I think that people should actively seek jobs that they are interested in in order to find out whether or not they are right for them. For example, although Eleanor's job is unpleasant and boring, experiencing what it has been like has allowed Eleanor to eliminate a possible dream job and come one step closer to figuring out what it is while gaining experience in the workforce and bringing in a paycheck. I think that as long as people do not allow themselves to be caught up in a job that they hate without any thought for the future and pursuing their dream job, they will benefit from working wherever and whenever they can in the current economy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both Regan and Ellie that you should pursue your dream job. You also have to be practical in that decision because you have to be able to support yourself financially. However, people should take into account the way the economy is. Their dream jobs may not be able to support them enough so as a solution to that maybe that can make it a hobby of theirs in the mean time. They can go out and try to get a another job that is more promising economically but at the same time work on their dream job on the side. I do not believe that day dreaming can help the job dilemma rather help the individual person realize what it is they really want to do. If they have a goal to reach that dream job they may work harder at the job they have now in order to get to the next level.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that you should pursue your dream job. However, to those like myself who really do not know what they want to do when they grow up, I think those people have to start somewhere. If this was the case, I think it would be smart for the person to take whatever job was available to them, like Eleanor, and work to the best of their ability. However, during that time, the person should keep daydreaming and keep their mind open because I do believe that it is possible for your daydreams to help you realize what it is that you really want to do. If that realization does come to you, I think that you would regret it in the long run if you did not try to pursue it, because you would always be wondering about the outcome that could have been positive if you had taken the risk. I think that having a previous job that you didn't enjoy could even aid in this pursuit because it will give you a foundation of hard work and the importance of giving your time and committing yourself to a task.
ReplyDelete(I know I'm going to get a little philosophical here.)In my eyes I see success as taking a risk and aiming for your dream job. Though this may be a lot of work, happiness is sure to come out of something you love, rather than sitting in a cubicle all day counting the minutes until your commute home... unless you're into that sort of thing (sorry). Even if trying to find your dream job doesn't work out, then maybe that truly wasn't the right path for you and you at least tried to make your wildest dreams happen. I feel like it would be more productive chasing your dreams rather than thinking "what if" or having a lack of focus on the job you currently have, which ultimately leads to unproductive work ethics. So all in all I am a strong believer in having day dreams and trying to find a job that will bring you happiness.
ReplyDeleteI believe that it will always be beneficial to follow your dream job rather than to chase a job solely on financial stability. Life is only so short and wasting your prime years chasing money may be something that one will regret in the end. Also, many times, following your dreams and doing something that you LOVE can often lead to making more money since going to work and living your life everyday is not a burden but instead something that you look forward to.
ReplyDeleteNo matter where one ends up, I believe that trying to do what you love will always be commendable. People should strive for happiness as it can often bring with it wealth rather than just striving for wealth and forfeiting happiness.
I was always told to follow my dreams and if I’m doing something I love than the money will come. I think I would be better off if I attempted at my dream job and it didn’t work out because at least I could say I tried. If I tried my best than I know in ten or twenty years I won’t look back and say “I wonder what would of happened if I followed my dreams.” I’d rather live with knowing I tried than regret for not doing something.
ReplyDeleteI think if people did follow and try to get their dream job, than there wouldn’t be an issue with jobs because everyone would be doing what they loved and not what they are forced to do. Also, some people may want to do something that is either looked down upon, financially instable, or some other facet that society looks down upon or is totally ridiculous, but if that person is doing what they love than society shouldn’t treat that person any differently and they should do what they love so then people who like doing jobs like office work can take those jobs from the people who rather be mechanics or plumbers.
Although working your dream job could promise you a "lifetime of happiness" I don't think that in the long run it would benefit someone. Dream jobs don't typically promise financial stability, and being that we are currently living in an economic downturn, it's important to be able to make enough money to live. Attempting to even land your dream job could hurt a person financially and waste the time they could be using to work a practical job. However, I do think that a person should consider going into a field that is related to their dream job. For me, I've always wanted to go into researching the effects genetics have on the brain and the numerous genetic diseases that occur. But, after talking to my cousin who is a scientist, she told me that she wishes she studied something else since she has a doctorate in science yet is stuck at a job where she doesn't even need her degree. In response, I decided I wanted to go into nursing- a career where I will be stable financially and doing something related to my original dream job.
ReplyDeleteI think that if you listen to your daydreams, it might lead you to a similar conclusion that I had. Not landing your dream job, but landing a job that incorporates your dream job and practicality.
I think we have all learned from movies that if you don't at least try to follow your dream, you become a bitter old person who hates children. Of course this is a dramatization but has essentially the right idea. People have a dream for a reason, because it is what they want to be. Of course, growing up you wanted to be a pirate dinosaur princess cowboy in space and that is not possible, but those rational dreams you had really matter. That dream you had growing up to be a dentist, even if it doesn't seem like the best idea, if you don't at least try there will always be the what if and the longing for that job. Your dream job may not always work out, but it is important to try because if you fail, then you can go on to the reasonable, financially stable job that you don't love as much knowing you at least tried. I think we all learned to "shoot for the moon, because even if you miss you'll land among the stars". Even if you don't get your perfect dream job, if you try you might find something similar that you love just as much.
ReplyDeleteLike a lot of other people have said, getting your dream job sounds ideal but depending on what this job is, it is not always practical. With today's economy it is hard to find jobs as is let alone if you are pursuing one particular job you've wanted forever. I don't think people should do something they're unhappy with or something that makes them miserable but I think it is important to broaden your list of job options. Instead of having one particular dream job in mind, open it up to figuring out what field to work in. This way you're doing something you enjoy even if it is not exactly what you day dreamed about during math class. If your dream job is practical then maybe one day you'll get it, but I think it could cause harm financially to you in the future if you only pursue one job you wanted that may be out of reach, and that is why people need to incorporate logic and practicality when deciding whether or not to follow through with their dream job
ReplyDeleteI agree with Stefanie and Dylan. I don't think people should become so fixated on their dream job that they disregard more practical jobs that offer more financial stability, especially in today's economy. I know that most people say money can't buy happiness and it's true: money alone can't offer you true happiness. However, I think someone would be happier if they had a job that provides more financial stability and comfort than a job that provides little to no stability. In a perfect world, someone's dream job would also provide a comfortable salary. However, that is not the case. I think it ultimately comes down to the decision of the person: do they want to take the risk of taking their dream job but not having guaranteed financial stability? It's up to them. As long as they accept the decision they make, they can be happy.
ReplyDeleteI was always taught I could do anything I wanted, to follow my dreams, and everything would work out fine. That isn't always practical though, as Meg, Stef, and Dylan have pointed out. If your dream job can be both your greatest goal and financially stable I firmly believe you have to do it. If that isn't the case, it should work out somewhat like Eleanor, keeping the day job but doing something they love on the side. Personally I have already had a few moments in my life time where I can honestly look back and regret I didn't bother risking something. So in the long run I do think it's worth at least trying to do your dream job and if it doesn't work out there is no wondering "what if". I really don't know if daydreams are the key, but they can't constantly be pushed aside in attempts to focus, if it's something that is really distracting it needs to be addressed.
ReplyDeleteI have also been told that I should do something that I love, but make sure that you can live. I think that some dream jobs are exactly that dream jobs. For instance if someone wants to become a freelance artist, there is no way that they are going to be able to live off of their salary. They would have to get another job. But I think that at some point in your life you should be able to try your dream job or anything for that matter. For instance, I realize that I wasted so much time during my freshman and sophomore year. I could have played a sport like I planned to but never got around to doing, I could have become more involved. But I didn't want to risk my grades. Now that I'm a senior, sometimes all I think about is if I did take the risk, I probably could have made my high school experience more than it is now. Personally, I think that its better to know that you tried and it didnt work out rather than having the big "what if" constantly eating at you.
ReplyDeleteOf course it is good to dream big and reach for the stars, but i do not think some dream jobs should be pursued because ultimately this is your life and you need a way to support your lifestlye. Its two completely different things to dream to be an astronaut or the president then it is to be a neurosurgeon. One of those goals is attainable while the other is just a dream. I think it is a good idea to adjust your dream job within the limits of today's society. If you want to be an astronaut maybe you should adjust your idea and become an astrology professor instead. I think there are ways to reach your goals and live them out without having to risk not having a job while doing it. Of course there may always be regret for not accomplishing what you thought was your dream, but dreams change and i think it would be better to know that you did what was best for you and your future. I think that daydreaming helps us to view our world outside of reality and it may help solve problem because we are able to taking ourselves out of the situation and think more logically.
ReplyDeleteI believe that it is ideal for a person to pursue a career that would make them happy even if it meant that they would not be receiving a steady income. This image of being happy doing what you want is really what I wish would go down. But sadly, it doesn't happen that way because in order to guarantee a better life for your family, you would sacrifice your happiness in order to make more money for your family to buy them a nice house, a good education and whatever they ever needed. I think that I would be better off knowing that I at least attempted to land my dream job because in the end I know I gave it a shot and had some fun doing it even if I may not pursue based on financial struggles. Agreeing with some people above, I feel that if your dream job is practical then I feel that the probability of becoming more productive and solving this job problem is likely to occur. For example, if you are really good at arguing for a point and love the law then I suppose you should be a lawyer the only problem that is raised from the mouth of Mr. Long is that there are more kids enrolling in law school than actual lawyers which will result in an excess amount of lawyers which are not needed. So based on your dream job I would say to think smart when you contemplate pursuing it.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a very tough decision to make. My dream job would be to work in the FBI, where in this case, I know I would have the financial stability to support myself and my family. I cannot say that everyone’s dream job is one that would guarantee the same. Would the job truly be a ‘dream job’ if the person was struggling to survive in the economy? I’m not too sure.. I honestly believe that if a person follows the educational path in their life that is most interesting to them, then they will succeed in the end and potentially finding a career path that differs from their original ‘dream job.’ I think as human beings we should pursue the chase to reach our highest potential and if that means landing our dream job, then so be it. Personally, I know that I might not be able to attain my dream job if I do not take on jobs that would enable me to further myself towards ultimately reaching my dream job. I believe that it is all based on perspective. I think that even if you try to reach your dream job and it doesn’t work out, then you walk away with the knowledge that it wasn’t truly your dream job to begin with. I think that daydreams can shed a new light on the current job situation that a person may be experiencing. I do believe that if a person is daydreaming about their current job dilemma it may make it more interesting for them and provide them with some new sort of motivation or perspective on the issue.
ReplyDeleteI think that everyone should have the chance to pursue their dream job. Maybe it will only be for a month or maybe forever, but you will never know if it doesnt work out unless you try. The goal in life is to be happy and if someone is stuck doing a job they hate but make a lot of money then it is not worth it because for those hours that person has to work they are miserable. Also, arent we always taught not to give up and to try. Giving up on our dream job is as bad as giving up for a sport team. You will never know if you do not try.
ReplyDeleteI actually think that day dreams are the reason why their is such a problem with jobs. Yes, I believe that everyone should have a shot at their dream job but if it does not work then you must move on. I think people are going to college for that dream job without any backup plan. If you are going to try you dream job you must have a backup plan!
I'm a strong believer in pursuing your dreams, therefore, I do think you should go after your dream job no matter the risk. I know I would rather have a job that I enjoy over a job that offers me financial stability. Most people's dream jobs do offer them financial stability though, because I don't think anyone's dream job is to work at a fast food restaurant forever.If you attempted to land your dream job, and fail, at least you can say you tried instead of not pursuing it maybe regretting it. I think daydreams can be both good and bad. If your daydreams are too unrealistic, then they could end up harming you in the end. People can't just wait for their dream jobs to come to them, hard work and dedication will help you get closer to achieving your goal.
ReplyDeleteI think that when it comes to choosing a job, one has to find a balance between a dream job, and one that can support a person to lead a healthy lifestyle. Lets face it, money is important but at the same time, I do believe that when a person is doing what they love, money will come. Again to contradict myself, pursuing your dream career may not always be the best. Say you decide that your dream is to be a singer but you are not vocally talented, this dream is not the most practical. For me personally, I like the feeling of knowing that I tried. That I actually made an effort to do something that at the time that it was done, I thought was right for me. Its better to live with no regrets so that when you look back at your life, you can see that it was successful at making you happy. I think that daydreams won't help a person become successful. Although it gets the ideas in your head, you need hard work to actually get the work done. Day dreams are the foundation to the actual work that needs to be done.
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