Many of us have heard, "That would be the “perfect” job for Joe”. Or maybe we have even said, “That would be my dream job”. Maybe you have thought,” That would be the “ideal” job for Sally”. But, do we really believe any of these comments deep down inside? Does the "perfect", "ideal" or "dream” job really exist? One thing that I have learned over the years is that words take on different meanings over time. We use words in different context. I checked out the Webster's Collegiate Dictionary to get a good handle on these three words. Take a look at what I discovered:
- Dream: a strongly desired goal or purpose: something that fully satisfies.
- Ideal: a standard of perfection or excellence - an ultimate object or aim of endeavor: goal.
- Perfect: satisfying all requirements: corresponding to an ideal standard.
What would be some of the main ideals within a job that an individual would look for that would meet these definitions? We may think of a job on some tropical island as a "perfect" job. Or, maybe a job where we get paid an outrageous sum of money for doing little work. Or maybe that job where there is little stress. Any of these would meet the definition for some people. But for many, respect from their employer would rank at the top of their list:
- Being appreciated for a job well done.
- A job where you have a feeling of importance.
- A feeling of satisfaction at the end of the work day.
- Finding that you have helped your fellow man.
One such individual that found his "dream" job was Michael Gates Gill. In his book, “How Starbucks Saved My Life,” Michael Gates Gill discusses how he was born into a life of privilege. He had the high power job, the beautiful family, the dream home. Mr. Gill also had the social life that many folks would describe as the “dream life”. Mr. Gill describes how he lost that “perfect life” and ended up being offered a job at Starbucks one day. It was a job he would have never thought of or even paid much attention to. Through out the book Mr. Gill details how he found happiness and satisfaction that he had not known in the past. Even now, he could retire from his barista job at Starbucks, but as he stated,” He has no plans to retire from what he calls the best job he's ever had”. I would say that Mr. Gill has found his “perfect job”.
Starbucks may not be your “perfect job”, “ideal job” or even your “dream job”. But don't give up looking for that job that interests you. The one that you can have passion about. Then you can define your own meaning of the "ideal", "perfect" or "dream job".