Landing The Dream Job

Whether you’re 21 and looking for that first big break out of college or 41 getting closer than ever to that dream corner office, we all have a picture of “the dream job” in our heads. At 20, my dream was Today Show, New York City, and being besties with Kathie Lee. Then, as I realized my dreams were changing a little and that I wanted to get married straight out of college, things shifted in my head and heart, and I graduated feeling like… Well, everything I dreamed of for the last decade of my life isn’t my dream anymore. So, now what?

Today, I want to piggy back a bit on yesterday’s post with focusing on some tips to landing the dream job. Whether entrepreneurial at heart or dreaming of corporate America, these tips from myself and Carleigh will hopefully help you and put some drive in your heart and push those dreams to the forefront of your mind!

1. PRAY about it. If you don’t know what your dream job is like I found myself feeling, ask God to show you what your passions are and how He wants you to use them. If you do know what your dream job is, ask God to open doors to opportunities and make them clear to you.

2. Be brave. Reach out to your dream company or person you want to work for. The last 7 years, I (Hannah) have sent more emails than I even could count to brands that seemed outrageous to work with and people that seemed bonkers to ask to meet with, but yeses came and doors have opened. Above all, I have lived by the scripture “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe you have received it and it will be yours.” I walk forward confidently knowing I have gone to God in prayer and will chase the dreams in my heart until they are removed or fulfilled. The worst that can happen is the desires of your heart change, a door closes, or you get a “no.” Write that email, take the leap to go into business for yourself. Whatever it is, it’s not going to happen unless you fight for it and take action.

3. Prepare. Are you qualified for your dream job? If not, take the steps to qualify yourself. Get the degree or certification. Take the online workshops. Build connections within that world to get your name out there and learn everything you can. Become the best at whatever it is so that you CAN land that dream job and make that dream life happen.

I literally worked 5 grueling years in the Dallas Start-Up world before settling into (and feeling prepared for!) what I actually wanted to do.

4. Be patient. It may not happen overnight, and that’s okay. Don’t compare where you are to anyone else. Keep working towards your dream and trust that it’ll happen in the right time.

5. Work hard. When you do get that dream job, put your all into it. Be available, do the extra work, and always say yes to opportunities. You will find a rhythm that works and things will pan out. Even still, 4 years into running The Cake, I am constantly learning (I watched Youtube tutorials for editing just last night for hours!!!), constantly asking for help, and always looking for ways to get better and make my brand better. The blog, our media company- all of it- is where it is because we worked hard, applied all experiences we’ve had (good and bad!), and were bold.

6. Take anything you can get without compromising the dream.  When you’re 21, you’re not going to be lead anchor of Today. But you could be an intern writing scripts. You aren’t above any job that will teach you skills. Also, if you are in a place you have no idea what you want to do- get a fun job that allows you the creative space to build something while figuring it out. Ex: I worked at a Pure Barre while I built up The Cake blog. Figure out ways to pay the bills while pouring majority of your energy into the dream.

 

One thing I wish I did differently: As 27 year old Hannah, I wish I could tell early 20-something Hannah to serve the job she’s in faithfully, even when it doesn’t “deserve it.” I had a couple situations I felt wronged, but rather than proving my work ethic DESPITE the situation, I stopped caring. I wish I could change that, and it’s something I want to encourage you in. Your character isn’t swayed by anybody but YOU. Honor, respect, integrity- these are all up to you (even when our flesh doesn’t want to give it!).