Day job not your dream job? You’re not alone. Only half of Americans are substantially satisfied with their job. Conversely, one might say half of the workforce would rather be doing something else for a living.
If you’re among this latter half, I genuinely hope your current day job is a temporary one. But I also hope you take advantage of this temporary position en route to your dream job. Because while a day job can be just that—a job— it can also be the place you prepare for your dream career. If you make the most of it.
Seize present opportunities to prepare for the future
If you want to leave your day job, you’ve likely reached a point where the cons of working the job outweigh the pros. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any pros. In fact, if I were a betting man (I’m not, but if I were…), I’d wager your day job comes with at least one pro.
Perhaps you work remotely. Perhaps your employer will pay for upskilling courses. Maybe it’s simply a hefty paycheck. Maybe it’s all this and more. No matter how frustrating your day job is, it’s important to take a moment to identify the advantages it comes with. That way you can take advantage.
If you work remotely, what are you doing with the 5-10+ hours a week you save by not commuting? If it’s on your employer’s dime, what certificates are you striving to earn? If your paycheck more than covers your expenses, how are you spending the remainder? All in all, how are you making the most of your day job? Because if you’re not capitalizing on the pros of the job while you’re there, it might take longer for you to arrive at your desired destination—financially, career wise, and lifestyle wise.
No matter what your day job is, use it. No matter how many cons your day job comes with, take advantage of the pros. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, seize present opportunities to prepare for the future. After all, if you never prepare for your dream job or dream career, you might experience unexpected nightmares when you get there.
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