Random Wednesday: Career Goals

After reading Stesha's post this morning over on Classic & Bubbly, then reading again about her dreams on Because Shanna Said So, I was inspired to think more about my dreams, and the things that I hope to accomplish professionally.

I feel like I am at an exciting time in my life. I am living in this amazing city, with my wonderful boyfriend, and on some level, feel totally content. But sometimes, I can't help but wonder about people I see, and how they seem so "together" with the perfect career, designer wardrobe, chic apartments, and the ability to travel the world. I wonder how they got to that point? What step did I miss along the way that has prevented me from reaching that level?

Sometimes there is so much pressure to live a certain lifestyle. To maintain a perfectly styled look, while at the same time appearing completely effortless, and uphold this higher standard of living. All of this, expected to happen in our twenties. Since I've moved to San Francisco, the pressure has increased exponentially. It's hard not to compare yourself to others, and wonder how they live up to these standards that can seem so impossible at times. When I think about what my parents were doing at my age, it seems as though there was a lot less pressure to be so established at this young age.

So, instead of dwelling on this, I've decided to be proactive. I thought it would help to outline what I envision in an ideal professional setting, this way I have something to work towards. And I will take the steps to get where I'd like to be, rather than comparing myself to others.

When I look back on my childhood, there were two things that I answered when asked: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I went through a period when my answer was, an architect. And most often, I would respond with, an artist. As I got older, I always said my dream job would be working for Sunset Magazine. I've watched friends and family who go to work every day and LOVE their job, it isn't work to them. Don't get me wrong, I am extremely thankful for my job and the wonderful benefits my office provides, but to me, it's just a job. Not something that I am passionate about.

When I think about the things I enjoy most in my life today, they are artistic and creative expressions of myself. I think this is why blogging has been such a great outlet for me, it has given me an opportunity to be creative.  

I saw this on Pinterest, and it really resonated with me. I would like to wake up every morning and look forward to going into work, and feel like I am making some sort of contribution. So, in true Theresa form, I thought I would make a list. These are the types of things I enjoy most, and would be a part of my "dream job."

* allows me to be creative

* work with others, possibly a team setting

* financial security

* feel like I am making a contribution

* incorporate home design (home decor, cooking, garden, architecture)

* related to travel

* planning

* outdoor/environment

* research

Words To Live By 

My New Mantra

I thought this post was appropriate to link up to Shanna's Random Wednesday series. These are some things I've been thinking a lot about, and it feels good to get it off my chest and make a step towards a fulfilling career. The truth is, I don't know exactly what my "dream job" is, but at least now I know what some aspects of that job might entail.

Have you found your dream job? Or do you know what that is? If so, what are you doing to work towards achieving it?

Thanks for listening to my random thoughts, any advice is welcome.

xoxo,

Theresa