/**/
https://unsplash.com/photos/fY8Jr4iuPQM

Growing up, we all envisioned what we wanted to be when we were older. We wanted to be astronauts, police officers, doctors, princesses. But now we’ve grown up we probably don’t feel the same way anymore, and that’s okay.

For most of us, we went to university, thinking that studying what we want to do for three, four, or five years is a surefire way to get the job we want upon graduation. But the reality is far from the innocent dream we had going in. Instead of changing the world the way we hoped, we are stuck relying on student loan debt relief and stuck in a job we couldn’t care less for.

But all is not lost. Even if you aren’t doing what you want to right now doesn’t mean it has to be this way forever. It’s all about how you approach finding the career of your dreams.

RETRAIN

Returning to education long after leaving it behind may feel overwhelming. But there are plenty of opportunities to study while you continue to work so you can continue supporting yourself and your family.

Retraining in a different subject – or even continuing where you left off – can open opportunities that will grant you the ability to get the job you always wanted. It might have been that you studied one thing at university due to parent pressure, or you just weren’t sure what to do. Now that you are older and wiser you probably have a much clearer idea of what you want to achieve in life.

VOLUNTEER

But maybe you don’t have the money or the time to obtain another qualification, yet still want the experience that will stand you in excellent stead to achieve your dream job. Finding volunteer opportunities locally will give you the experience needed to start pursuing your passion.

There are many places locally that would love to have volunteers help out in the evenings and weekends. This is particularly true of social centres that help the homeless and less fortunate. But it isn’t just social work that can be done. Helping out with troubled youth or local causes will give you the skills that can put you on the right track towards career satisfaction.

PRACTICE

If you don’t have the opportunity to retrain or volunteer, though, then the least you can do is get practising, which will lead to options further down the road. This practice can be doing something creative, like writing or drawing, to working with computers in a coding capacity where you can work on your first ever app.

If it is something you are passionate about, then you may already be competent. However, if it is something you are only recently embarking on, then practice makes perfect. Furthermore, you can find local or online groups that will help you grow and learn more, without having to go back to school, and develop a network of like-minded people eager to help each other out. This includes writing group, for the authors among us.

NO PROBLEM

Even if you don’t think you have the experience to find the job you want, you can still look for ways to find this experience. Whatever way you choose to get the career you have always dreamed of, just remember that it will take hard work, and there will be bumps along the road. No matter what happens, keep your head down, stay committed, and reap the rewards later.