The ThirdAge Career Dream Weaver |
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Six Steps for More Action
Pursuing your dream job requires action above and beyond ordinary job preparation and investigation. Take any of the following steps to get started on the road to exploring your passion.
Research
Start your investigation by digging into the same sources favored by folks in your dream field. Here are some hints for gathering data.
- Books, magazines, videos, cassettes, CDs--all will prove helpful for learning about your interest and will give you particular pointers on how to pursue careers that are associated with that interest. Start with your public library--it's free!
- The Web--use any of the large search engines like Yahoo, Alta Vista, Infoseek, or Excite to find information on your passion. If using one word doesn't work, try another--or try a phrase. (For extra help in searching the Web, see Search Engines 101.)
- You can often find helpful pamphlets or newsletters on any given subject from either profit-making or non-profit organizations. Use the Web or the telephone Yellow Pages to identify any relevant associations.
Learn
Taking classes on the subject of your passion is a wonderful way to get started. Try any of the following places for economical classes:
- Local Community Classes.
- Extension Classes from a local university.
- Experimental Classes from local universities or professional groups.
- Distance Learning Classes from universities (Search the Web for these listings).
- Workshops taught by local experts
- Extension Programs--often a source of good information and workshops.
Volunteer or Work Temp
One way to gain experience in a chosen field, particularly those fields that are tough to break into, is to either work as a volunteer or to work as a temp for companies in those fields. For example, if you were interested in being a zookeeper, you could volunteer for a zoo's docent program and possibly work into a zookeeper job.Do It Yourself
It's been done, often successfully. Writers who aren't able to get published, those with an art or craft that isn't showcased in a gallery, or filmmakers who can't get in to see studio moguls can sometimes get a lucrative career established by self-publishing, financing their films with their own resources, or starting their own galleries. Note: Be cautious when pursuing this option, however. Paraphrasing Paul Hawken of Smith & Hawken--people who like their widgets more than selling their widgets shouldn't go into business. Persevere
Don't give up! Pursuing a difficult, but wonderful dream takes more energy and perseverance than getting an "ordinary" job. Try different options if one doesn't work and think "out of the box". Perhaps your original dream might have to be altered somewhat to be able to work in the field of your passion. Network!
Even when pursuing traditional jobs, this is the most important action you can take. When pursuing dream jobs, especially in fields that showcase your creative talents or fit a small market niche, you need to use all your contacts. Use them for information, advice, AND introductions.
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