6 Vital Career Factors You Must Consider

6 Vital Career Factors You Must Consider by Martin Haworth

When we think of a dream job, the first thing that comes to mind are those cliched dream jobs involving tons of money and not a lot of work. The reality of a dream job is very different, though.
You can have all the money in the world and still be unhappy, and people who don't work often end up finding all kinds of "jobs" to keep themselves busy.
A great career is about many things that combine into something that leaves you feeling happy and good about what you do. Let's take a look at what a dream job really is:
Something Interesting
A dream job is one that you find interesting and that you like doing. In fact, those who are the happiest with their careers are individuals who have found a job that has something to do with what they love doing in their free time too.
Looking at your hobbies or your passions in life can be a good indicator of the type of job you'd be happiest in. And people are happiest being who they really are deep down, at work and at play.
There's A Challenge
People hate being bored, and there is nothing more boring than having to work at the same old routine over and over. A little bit of challenge is a good thing to motivate people. Without challenge, there isn't any sense of accomplishment or victory, and that's a big motivation killer.
Remember that great story that Stephen Covey tells in 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People"? About the woman who's life's ambition is to build a wonderful house. And it takes years to achieve. The day it's finished, she sits in her new lounge and cries. It wasn't about getting the house. It was the challenge.
Fulfilment Is Yours
Making a difference matters. People need to know that they made a difference somewhere, that they aren't disposable, and that they accomplish things that improve, change, or help.
From construction worker to salesperson to doctor, every great job leaves a person feeling like they made a difference in the project and its ultimate completion. Fulfillment makes us feel important, and that's a good thing. It's what we are here for.
Fits Like A Glove
The job you need is one that fits well with your personality. A job that doesn't match who you are is going to be one that fits as well as a shoe with a pebble inside, constantly irritating. While we all try to choose jobs that pay well, one of the biggest factors of happiness and career success is a job that fits our personality and uses our best strengths.
If you're math minded and quiet, a social sales job might not be the best for you. If you're outgoing and like stimulation, an office job in a cubicle will drag you down. Feel like that? Take it as a sign; a message that it's time to move on.
Something With Potential
Having room to grow and move up the ladder in your job is important. A dream job is one that allows you the chance to expand on your potential and work into positions where you can accomplish more.
If you enter a job that isn't going to go anywhere, you'll end up stagnating after you learn the routine, and your job satisfaction will plunge, leaving you unhappy.
Something Secure Enough
Job security is a big factor in comfort level, for some. If you have everything else you want in a dream job, but you're constantly on edge wondering whether your position is safe, stress levels rise and you'll be unhappy.
A dream job offers the security to try new things, to explore, to use your talents, and to know that next week, your job will still be there, and that you'll still be working.
As Tim Gallwey says in "The Inner Game of Work",
'Too much challenge, Not enough safety = Stress' 'Too little challenge, Too much safety = Boredom
What makes up a dream job is particular to each person and these six factors figure highly in what will create a job situation you can be happy with.
Take a look at the job you have now, and see where it ranks in terms of security, growth, interest, fulfillment and challenge. If the result is that your job doesn't add up to a good mark, then maybe it's time for a change, one that will leave you happy and satisfied for a long, long time.
A 'dream job' indeed. A magical career ahead!
About the Author
(c) 2007 "How To Land Your Dream Job". You can have the job of your dreams. It takes application, attention and the information you need to get you there, young or old. There's all you need at Martin Haworth's website, http://www.HowToLandYourDreamJob.com