Create your dream job

Second of a three-part series

“The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play.” — Arnold Toynbee

As noted in Toynbee’s quote, finding the juncture where work becomes as enjoyable as play is the ultimate goal of creating your own position. Many would say that when they dream, it is not about work. Rather, they dream of doing what they find enjoyable and worthwhile. This is a new way of reframing how we view “work” or our jobs.

In the first installment of this series, I defined components of a well-written job description. When you have identified what you want to do, the next phase of this journey is outlining how to bring your plan into fruition and make your dream “work” a reality. For starters, here are tips for (1) creating your own job or (2) having a job created for you.

Creating your own job

Tip #1: Consider the various aspects of creating an ideal job. Ask yourself these questions: What do I hope to gain by doing this kind of work? Is this job/work in line with my work values? What factors and situations motivate me? Are my emotional needs met by this work? Which skills do I want to use in my next job? What is my ideal work environment and pace? What is my ideal/dream compensation? Am I willing to take moderate risks to achieve my goal? Is there a need that requires my unique talents, experiences and skills? Am I self-disciplined? When the need arises, am I willing to do a job that may not interest me?

Tip #2: Part of the objective for designing your ideal job is to create a job you enjoy, not just one you are good at doing. You may be highly competent in some skills, but you may not enjoy using those skills.

Getting a new job created for you

Tip #3:  Use your network of friends, colleagues, family, etc. to assist you with spreading the word.

Tip #4: Find a company, business or industry that could benefit from your background.

Tip #5: Seek to have as many exploratory meetings with key decision makers as possible.

Tip #6: Identify a need they have that you could fill.

Tip #7: Submit a proposal for a job you could do for them. Be courageous!

Tip #8: Persuade decision makers to accept your proposal and request a start date.

Although this hidden-market approach to finding an ideal job requires more persistence, initiative, and “changing course” thinking than the published job market, it will pay off big. When a job is found this way, it can be customized to an individual’s needs, compensation goals and expertise.

Tammy McIntyre is owner of McIntyre Employment Service, an agency providing individuals and small businesses with career development services. She welcomes reader responses to tammy@mcintyre-employment.com.