4 answers
Aidan
Student
Michigan, Michigan
1
Question
Updated
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How many people really work their dream job?
I feel that there is a stereotype that many people work a job they do not like, but I was curious how true that is.
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4 answers
Yoav Traeger
Bid Manager
75
Answers
Kiryat Ono, Tel Aviv District
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
It's such a thoughtful question to ask because the idea of a dream job can often feel like a high-pressure standard that everyone else has already met. While the popular image of people stuck in jobs they dislike is definitely out there, the reality for many is much more nuanced and hopeful than that stereotype suggests. Many people find that while their work might not be exactly what they imagined as a child, they discover a deep sense of satisfaction through the people they help, the problems they solve, or the life their career allows them to build outside of the office. Fulfillment often comes from finding a balance between what you are good at and what you value, rather than finding a single perfect role that checks every possible box. It is completely normal to feel uncertain about your future path, but most people find that as they gain experience, they lean into the parts of work they enjoy and naturally move toward a career that feels meaningful to them. You have plenty of time to explore and define what success looks like on your own terms, and your curiosity about this shows you are already thinking about your future with a very healthy and realistic perspective. You are going to find a path that brings you genuine happiness and I wish you the best of luck.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
There is a common belief that most people end up working in jobs they don't like, but the truth is more complicated than that. Not everyone ends up in their exact "dream job," but many people still find work they enjoy or feel good about, even if it's not perfect.
One big reason for this stereotype is that people's dream jobs usually change as they grow up. The job you dream about as a kid, like being a singer, might not be the same job you want when you're older. As you learn more about yourself and the world, your goals often shift. Many adults end up in careers they didn't even know existed when they were younger, and sometimes those unexpected careers turn out to be a great fit.
Another thing to remember is that even a dream job will have hard or boring parts. Every job comes with stress, deadlines, or tasks that aren't fun. That doesn't mean someone hates their job, it just means work isn't perfect. People often enjoy their career overall even if every day isn't amazing.
A lot of adults also take time to figure out what they want. Some switch majors in college, try different jobs, or change careers completely. This exploration helps them learn what kind of work makes them feel happy and fulfilled. It's completely normal to not know your dream job right away, and many people find the right path after trying different things.
It also helps to think about what "dream job" really means. For some people, it means doing something creative. For others, it means helping people, earning a steady income, having good hours, or having a calm work-life balance. When you think about it this way, many people actually get pretty close to a job that fits their dreams, even if it's not their childhood idea.
One big reason for this stereotype is that people's dream jobs usually change as they grow up. The job you dream about as a kid, like being a singer, might not be the same job you want when you're older. As you learn more about yourself and the world, your goals often shift. Many adults end up in careers they didn't even know existed when they were younger, and sometimes those unexpected careers turn out to be a great fit.
Another thing to remember is that even a dream job will have hard or boring parts. Every job comes with stress, deadlines, or tasks that aren't fun. That doesn't mean someone hates their job, it just means work isn't perfect. People often enjoy their career overall even if every day isn't amazing.
A lot of adults also take time to figure out what they want. Some switch majors in college, try different jobs, or change careers completely. This exploration helps them learn what kind of work makes them feel happy and fulfilled. It's completely normal to not know your dream job right away, and many people find the right path after trying different things.
It also helps to think about what "dream job" really means. For some people, it means doing something creative. For others, it means helping people, earning a steady income, having good hours, or having a calm work-life balance. When you think about it this way, many people actually get pretty close to a job that fits their dreams, even if it's not their childhood idea.
Sagarika Priyadarshini
Senior Advisor, Product Management - IT
15
Answers
Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Updated
Sagarika’s Answer
Hello Aidan ,
“How many people really work their dream job?”
Great question! Honestly, not as many as Instagram would have you believe. Most people don’t wake up every day like, ‘Yes! I’m living the dream!’—unless their dream was endless Zoom calls and coffee that tastes like ambition 😝
But here’s the twist:
• A dream job isn’t always something you find; it’s something you build.
• Even the coolest jobs have boring parts (yes, astronauts still do paperwork).
• The real dream? Doing something that challenges you, teaches you, help you to grow as a more better person and makes you proud—even if it’s not perfect.
Think of it like trying new ice cream flavors: sometimes you must taste a few weird ones—like avocado mint—before you find your favourite scoop 😊 So, if you are not in your dream job yet, don’t worry. Keep tasting, keep learning, and keep building—because the sweetest scoop is worth the wait!
“How many people really work their dream job?”
Great question! Honestly, not as many as Instagram would have you believe. Most people don’t wake up every day like, ‘Yes! I’m living the dream!’—unless their dream was endless Zoom calls and coffee that tastes like ambition 😝
But here’s the twist:
• A dream job isn’t always something you find; it’s something you build.
• Even the coolest jobs have boring parts (yes, astronauts still do paperwork).
• The real dream? Doing something that challenges you, teaches you, help you to grow as a more better person and makes you proud—even if it’s not perfect.
Think of it like trying new ice cream flavors: sometimes you must taste a few weird ones—like avocado mint—before you find your favourite scoop 😊 So, if you are not in your dream job yet, don’t worry. Keep tasting, keep learning, and keep building—because the sweetest scoop is worth the wait!
Brian Zmikly
Sr Director - US Sales
1
Answer
Highland, MI
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hi Aidan - I would agree with you - I'm not sure there are many working in their "dream jobs", and I think the definition of what that is is likely different for everyone. For me, I feel it's important to find something that makes you want to get up in the morning - not dread it. Something where you feel you're making a difference, and frankly, having a good time doing it. Yes, there will be both good and bad days, but if you're in the right place, the bad days are few and far between. Be bold - take risks - and put your ALL into whatever you decide to do. If you do that, you will be rewarded every day.