Help! I Haven't Found My Dream Job

Floating around in a career that doesn’t make your heart sing? Here’s how to get a job you love

It’s a question most of us are asked as soon as we first put on a school uniform. ‘So, what do you want to be when you grow up?’ Although your five-year-old self might have been convinced you were going to be a doctor/artist/chocolate taster, it’s highly likely that by the time you were ready to join the working world, your ideas had changed.

While some people remain unwavering about their career goals (if you still want to be a chocolate taster, who could blame you?), for many, the dream jobs they imagined as children have evaporated into confusion and uncertainty. But not having your dream job shouldn’t be a source of stress.

Uncertainty can lead to positive experiences and actually make your career path more interesting, says psychologist Alison Hill.

‘Feeling stuck or uncertain about what’s next is hard,’ she says. ‘But it also allows you the opportunity to explore possibilities you may not have previously considered. Whether it’s making the shift from studying to a work environment, or finding a job that’s a better fit for you, being unsure of what you want to do career-wise means it’s time to dial up your curiosity – not only about what roles might be available, but about what you’re looking for in a workplace culture and environment.

‘Jobs are more than just the tasks that you do; identifying the environment you thrive in is just as important.’

Amy James, a nurse, saw how spending time in career limbo could actually bring long-term benefits.