‘Be Fearless’ and land your dream job

The question: How can I land my dream job? I’m tired of working jobs that are unfulfilling and boring. I’m 30 years old and want to get serious about a career that I actually enjoy.

Don’t get hung up on being 30 and not in a career you love. Think about it: It takes us about three decades to get our act together. For the first 18 years we’re growing up and going to mandatory school, then for the next few years we’re either in college or trying to figure out what to do, then we’re trying to establish ourselves in a career. So here you are at 30, serious, and with many years of a fulfilling career ahead of you. You’re in a good place! Be fearless as you forge ahead toward your dream job.

Here’s advice taken from my new book, “Be Fearless: Change Your Life in 28 Days.”  

Define your dream job

Be specific. What it would entail? Do you prefer working independently or as part of a team? Would it involve travel? Do you want to do something creative or more analytical? You get the idea: Really define all aspects of this dream job and the qualities you seek in it.  

Surround yourself with people who you think can help you.

What mentors can you tap for advice? How can you network and meet people who can help?

Ask other people how they got to be where they are.

Although your paths won’t be entirely the same, you’ll gain valuable advice knowing how others have done it.

Interview someone who has this dream job. 

Ask questions that will yield valuable information.  Find out what the person did to land it. What do they love about their job? What’s most challenging? What they’d most like to change about it?

Expert tip

Do an internship or shadow someone at a company you admire

For example, if you always wanted to be a journalist, reach out to your favorite commuter newspaper and make yourself available. 

– Jonathan Alpert is a licensed psychotherapist. His new book, “Be Fearless: Change Your Life in 28 Days,” is out April 24. It will be sold at all major booksellers and Amazon. Check in with him online at www.jonathanalpert.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/jonathanalpert) and Twitter @jonathanalpert. 

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