Is your ideal career what you think it is?

Back in my 20’s, when I was trying to find myself in a career field, I observed people in their work. I viewed various career fields as I saw them on the surface, making my definition from my own perceptions.  There were lots of things I wanted to do, and some were made up in my own mind. 

One example that sticks in my mind was an HR rep in our corporation I met in the mid-90’s; whom I’ll call Daniel R.  He was always ready to greet managers and front-line employees with a smile and warm handshake, seemed to have time to talk with them about their rights, while supporting and empowering them in their career goals;  no problem was too big for him to solve.  He was about my age, professionally dressed, and regardless of his hourly wage, appeared to be quite successful.  I can remember for years, whenever anyone had a problem, I would tell them, “Just call Daniel. He’ll take care of it.”  He politely resolved the issue of a problem employee, with all parties satisfied.

I would love to have Daniel’s job, I thought.  It seems so rewarding.

Years later, after he was promoted twice (as was I) he was working more with managers and directors than with front-line employees.  As office manager of one of the branch offices, I talked to him occasionally about recruitment procedures in our office, but rarely visited his office in those days.  On a rare occasion, I was invited to his office to chat for a few minutes. It was lovely talking about personal topics and life in general for a change.  We both remembered how we met almost 10 years before.  “We’ve come a long way,” we sighed together.  I complimented his smartly decorated office.

A short time later, we heard the announcement that Daniel had resigned and would be starting his own business.  We were all sad to see him go, but of course very happy for him.  He hinted that he was tired of playing the game, and that under the pressures of current leadership, he found it difficult to serve his clients as he wished. 

Fast forward a few more years, and I had his job at another branch office.  I saw the job more clearly, including everything behind the scenes . Suddenly, I was in Daniel’s shoes and was limited to serving my clients as I wished. It was not at all the job I had envisioned. It was Daniel that I admired.

Daniel followed his heart and moved on; as I eventually did.  I have more and more admiration for him and his ethics.  He was a role model for me.  

Now when I look back, I see it all so clear. When we think of our dream careers, it’s not the job description.  It’s how we want to serve our people, and how we want to feel every day when we go to work.  Once we can picture it and find the ideal image, it can be brought into our life. It may not be a particular job title.  When we make the mistake of confusing the two, I call it the Daniel R. Syndrome.  

Once I got that clear in my mind, I was able to find my calling, as Daniel did it several years earlier. I saw why I looked up to Daniel, and wanted to be just like him.  I realize now, that that his integrity, loyalty and concern for his clients was how I wanted to model my life. Looking at my life, I realize I did just that. 

When you visualize your dream job or career, think of how your daily life will look. See the images of the people you want to work with, the team you want to be a part of, your workspace, every detail of your ideal career.  If you have a role model, then start being him or her now.  That’s how you get there…