Your Dream Job Description
If you would like to try this exercise, know that you can tear it up and re-write the whole thing at any moment. Understand that nothing you’re writing is set in stone and just allow yourself to freely imagine a variety of possibilities. Include a list of 10 possible dream companies after you have written your description. This is a key part of the exercise especially as you begin to share what you’re looking for with others. Here is the assignment with a sample from an Love Your Job alumna to get you started:
Write a one-page proposal of your ideal work setting. Title the document, YourName’s Dream Job, Inc. This should include location, lighting, space, hours, people, boss, leadership, types of projects you get to work on, subject matter, types of activities. At the bottom, list 10 potential companies/organisations that would be a dream to work at.
SAMPLE LOVE YOUR JOB (LYJ) DREAM JOB DESCRIPTION:
MAIN ACTIVITIES
Write everyday. Research latest news topics and developments in my field, including news sources, medical and health journals, blogs. Analyse policy developments for their potential impact in my field. Speak about the mission and activities of my organisation/company to potential investors or media.
PURPOSE
Responsible, progressive national and state policy. Social justice. Environmental justice. Promoting health. Evaluating areas for improvement in health programming. Advancing health technology and/or access.
SUPERVISION
Work closely with one main mentor/supervisor under minimal supervision. Weekly one-on-one meetings to discuss progress, suggestions, questions, next steps. Mentor/supervisor offers constructive criticism and praise freely and simply. Daily working environment does not include check-ins or micromanaging, but rather is a relationship of mutual trust to work simultaneously and separately in a coordinated fashion. Independence.
LOCATION
New York, NY. Beautiful section of the city with healthy, affordable lunch spots and nearby green space. Reasonably close to where I live / reasonable commute. Clean, open, modern building with plants, lots of natural light, and sustainable materials. Office with a door and big desk. Gym onsite!
SALARY
Although in a “dream” type situation, the sky is the limit, salary for this description would be enough for me to comfortably pay back my monthly student loan payments, have a nice one-bedroom apartment, maintain my current lifestyle (buying good food, traveling occasionally, updating wardrobe, not panicking at Christmas time), investing in my retirement fund, and salary for upward mobility in my field.
HOURS
About 9 to 5, give or take some flexibility. Option to work from home. Shorter summertime hours, longer winter hours. Hours may change to avoid monotony. Work days vary in intensity and tasks.
PEOPLE / COLLEAGUES
Motivated, educated colleagues with high drive and excellent interpersonal communication skills. Organised, timely people who also laugh and see the lighter side of things. People who are healthy and have active lives outside of work, but who also give their all for their positions which they believe in. Equal mix of men and women.
ENVIRONMENT
Team-oriented environment, with weekly team meetings but otherwise independent working environment. Culture of the organisation: goal and social change oriented, forward thinking, streamlined efficiency.
WORK / LIFE BALANCE
Organisation will place a high level of commitment to employees maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Generous vacation time and personal days, which can be taken without fear or feeling of reprimand.
REAL LIFE COMPANIES / ORGANIZATIONS
I WOULD WANT TO WORK FOR
- Google
- Planned Parenthood
- World Health Organisation
- Lululemon Athletica (higher position or creative team)
- Reproductive Health Technologies Project
- President Obama
- Global Health Strategies
Perhaps you are looking for a temporary position until you reach your dream job? Challenge Consulting can help you, visit our website to find our latest offer and what our clients are looking for and you could be one of the lucky ones we place in the next role!
