Getting that "dream job"

I find myself scrolling through LinkedIn a lot. They honestly make it pretty easy to see what jobs are out there while also seeing what all my connections are up to. What I don't like about it though is it seems like everyone on LinkedIn LOVES THEIR JOBS!!!!!!!!!! Is this really true? Because if it is, then it makes me feel even worse about where I am now.


I am currently employed in a job that I don't love because it's not in the industry I want to be in or even remotely related to what I studied in college and grad school (environmental sustainability). I would think that one of my LinkedIn connections, whether from a past job, college friend, grad school friend, etc. could help me get back on the track I want to be on, but instead I find myself frustrated that they all seem to have a job they love and I don't. Then on the other hand, my current software sales role is fully remote, and I have a low-maintenance boss who respects me and is easy to work with. Both great perks that I really shouldn't take for granted, especially with a wife who is 7 months pregnant with our first child.


Throughout the year I have applied and interviewed for tons of jobs that I really wanted more than the one I currently have. Not sure about the rest of you, but with "the great reshuffle" it's been wildly competitive. I made it to the final round with a bunch of different companies only to either get a terrible offer or no offer at all.


Sorry for all the venting, but I guess it all boils down to 3 questions:

  1. What is the best way to utilize your network to get the job you want?
  2. Does that job really truly exist? Or does everyone secretly hate their jobs deep down?
  3. Should I suck it up a little longer and count my blessings with a relatively easy job that I currently have until after this baby is born and figure things out further down the road, especially given all the companies out there either laying people off or going on a hiring freeze?
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11
Pachacuti
Politicker
5
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
to go in reverse order:

3 - yes, stick it out till the baby is born (congrats!) and things have settled. Especially if you have decent insurance where you're currently at. Your job is a blessing right now.

2- Yes and No. The grass is never really greener. Some jobs pay more, but those come with different headaches.

1 - LI does a good job of letting you know about which connections might be able to help you. So there's that. Beyond that, I have cold called into companies I have wanted to work for and been able to talk to HM's prior to when a job is opened.

Good luck!
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
1
Bravado's Resident Asshole
@Pachacutiis right, go in the reverse.
Diablo
Politicker
2
Sr. AE
If everyone had their ideal job, why would industry have such high turnover? Only thing I would tell is focus on what you want not what others have - cut the noise - that solves the half of the problem. Why do you hate your job so much - money, stability, performance?

I leverage my connections to learn more about the role, company industry etc. rather then asking the for a job.

I would stick for some more time considering the job market, family circumstances and other responsibilities I might have where continuous source of income is mandatory.

Nothing is perfect, you might have similar challenges everywhere, all depends upon how you handle them.
DPRM
Politicker
0
Ms Sales :)
100% agree, nothing is perfect
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
1. if you have a friend that is at a great company....have them help you get hired there. not super hard.
2. no it doesnt. there will always be something that you dont like.
3. yes
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
1
Sales Rep
If you have people in your network in the industry you want to work in, its vital you to talk to them and get there help. Changing industries is tough so having someone to help is key.

Also people wont publicly say the don't like their job, most a frustrated at a minimum with their role, company, team, boss or pay
Sunbunny31
Politicker
1
Sr Sales Executive ๐Ÿฐ
Most posts on social media, particularly one thatโ€™s purportedly for professional connections, will only be about success. So take that all with a big dose of salt.

That said, 1. I just kept up with my network, asked about them, how they liked their jobs, wished them well. Nothing wrong with letting your network know youโ€™re starting to look around.

2. No job is perfect, but I know many people who have perfectly satisfactory jobs they like just fine.

3. Iโ€™ll agree with Pachacuti here. Have that baby and enjoy the healthcare. Not saying not to take a great opportunity if one falls in your lap, but youโ€™ll soon have something wonderful that deserves your focus. Congratulations!

punishedlad
Tycoon
0
Business Development Team Lead
There are jobs where "loving your job" is part of the work, and LinkedIn posts are either mandatory or highly encouraged.
activity
Politicker
0
VP, Business Development
When it comes to career, I think as I've gotten older I've realized that I don't need a "dream" job just a well paying one. Also, my career/job doesn't define who I am and I let that happen in the beginning of my career. My advice is keep a well rounded view even when it feels like everyone is judging you based on your career.
MiceTrap
Opinionated
0
Sales Development Representative
Donโ€™t believe the linkden hype.

Most people just post frequently to gain a following to build their โ€œ brand โ€œ

which in return provides them a strong network for job opportunities.

The โ€œdream โ€œ job may exist but I believe requires a strong mastery of self to discover one selfs true wants for a full-filling career
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