Comments on: New Year’s Resolution Workshop #5: Launch My Dream Career

By: Savvy Frugality

Savvy Frugality — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 19:09:13 +0000

I am fortunate that I have already worked in my dream job and spent more than 20 years doing so. When my “dream job” was no longer profitable, I started looking for other things to do and found another career that was related, but paid much more. I also do a lot of freelancing which allows me to pursue outside interests as well. Maybe one day I’ll follow the “Kramer Lifestyle” (yes, the Seinfeld character) and not really have a career but just things I do for money that I consider fun.

By: Stef

Stef — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 08:47:40 +0000

Let me express a pessimistic thought about “expecting *some* failure”.
how much failure is reasonable to bear?
I mean, when becomes just decent saying: ok i give up?
i know this answer is also very depending of the single situation, but self-help manuals flood us with positive thinking thoughts and never give us the tools to stop when it does not work.

By: Dan Massicotte

Dan Massicotte — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:18:49 +0000

Sorry if I missed this somewhere else, but are you planning on reporting your earnings on your blog for 2008?

Some people expose the numbers…I understand if you don’t want to. As you probably know though, it creates a system of accountability to both you and your readers if you choose to.

By: WeSeed Writer

WeSeed Writer — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 21:16:12 +0000

I think you’re spot on about practice. I think if that one aspect is in place, everything else can come out of it. But if practice isn’t there, none of the other stuff matters.

By: Russell Cavanagh

Russell Cavanagh — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 13:24:23 +0000

I went freelance six months ago and haven’t looked back. Thanks for a great post that I will refer to throughout 2009!

By: Gillian

Gillian — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 07:22:49 +0000

Thanks so much for covering this topic. These are important reminders, especially for anyone who is just starting out in the world of jobs and careers. This will definitely serve me well as I try to stick to my 2009 resolution to keep up with my writing!

By: Babie T Nice

Babie T Nice — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 05:41:48 +0000

I have to say Trent, that you write exceptionally well and your years of practice and hard work have paid off. Good for you! You followed your passion and not you’ve made it.

By: Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy

Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 04:49:09 +0000

Great list. This is going to be my resolution for a few years, as it’s going to take me that long to save up enough from freelancing as a computer consultant to have the cushion to go full-time with it. But each year I take another step toward that dream.

That could be another point to add to your list…”Take things slowly, step-by-step”. It’s not gonna happen overnight, and don’t expect it to. But do something small everyday that will move you toward that goal.

By: Ken

Ken — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 02:37:33 +0000

I just began blogging this past week for the first time. I enjoy the topic of personal finance and am going to see where this goes. I enjoy your blog and am open to suggestions on developing a strong blog. Have a great new year
Ken

By: JE Gonzalez

JE Gonzalez — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:28:42 +0000

Amen to that Studenomics,but as long as you know exactly what you want, it will come to you. My dream job is working at Pixar Animation, and it will be a long journey. Likewise, I realised this year that making money through leverage is the best thing I have learned.

By: Modern Gal

Modern Gal — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:19:18 +0000

Consider the non-profit sector. Find a cause that you are passionate about, this might range from working with children, helping the elderly, or environmental conservation. The sector is in need of a ton of skilled writers, computer programmers, business planners, etc…

By: Studenomics

Studenomics — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:47:42 +0000

One thing that I will state about my dream job is that as much as I am looking forward to it I know that I have a long way to go. I am really realistic with myself and I understand that it will be a few more years of education and practical experience before I can move into a dream career.

I find that all my friends always talk about the dream job, but really if you haven’t put in the effort, who do you deserve it?

By: Anne KD

Anne KD — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:42:03 +0000

A little over two years ago I started my own business, which went through a long slow lingering death last summer. I’m probably going to start it up again with some changes. I’m also trying a couple other things as sidelines. Your article comes at a good time and I’m feeling more motivated to learn more and work more at what I like doing plus the little things I’m not good at yet.

By: Elizabeth Williamson

Elizabeth Williamson — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:28:38 +0000

I really liked this post. I’ve decided in the new year that I want to make a change from my current job- either by pursuing a promotion; or if I don’t get it by my third year anniversary with the company; to go out and find another job. In the meantime, I’m working on what I really want to do- write about travel. If I go down the job-hunting route I want to find a job that supports my travel writing dreams- either by sending me places or have me writing on a regular basis.

By: CPA Kevin

CPA Kevin — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:27:03 +0000

The idea about talking to a practitioner in the field already is a great one. Like you, there are several skills I never realized I would need until I actually became an accountant.

By: Mike McMahon

Mike McMahon — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:20:54 +0000

In my tenth year of working for a large company, I attended a Tony Robbins seminar. The year was 1989. I created my dsecription of my dream job along numerous other things. Fast forward to today, and I still working the same large company. Fortunately for me, the company has gone out of business and now I am about to embark on a new voyage in pursuit of my dream job. Despite the significant delay in pursuing my dream job, I can truly tell each of you, the mere exercise of having done that ezxercise 20+ years ago has positioned me to have a great chance in succeeding.

By: Johanna

Johanna — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:54:56 +0000

A good list. It seems to be mostly applicable, though, to those whose “dream career” involves self employment in some form. When I made the transition to my present career, I didn’t do any of those things – except for expecting some failure. :)

If you think your dream could be satisfied by a salaried position with an employer, and you see an ad for such a position, go ahead and apply for it. Even if you’re still in the early stages of networking, even if you don’t have a lengthy resume to show them, even if you’re not 100% sure you’re what they’re looking for. You might be pleasantly surprised. I was.