The Concept of a Dream Job
explore the concept of a dream job, the choice of my college major, consumerism, and more with me
Recently, I’ve watched a few YouTube videos that I will reference below about the concept of a dream job. I interpret it as the concept of looking forward to working. When I was a kid, we were always asked “What do you want to be when you grow up?”Like how the heck am I supposed to know? I just wanted to play with my friends, and watch music videos and shows on TV. If I ever thought about it, what I wanted to do in the future would switch just about every day. Nowadays, it’s more so whatever can make you money or something you’re good at that you’ve convinced yourself is your passion.
Even now, it’s hard for me to imagine a dream job, besides freelance photography or running a bookshop/cafe, and even that could change. Again, trying to monetize hobbies is difficult because it could become something you no longer want to do, due to it being your job now. I don't even think I want a job that encompasses all of the things I like, because then I wouldn't only be doing it for my enjoyment.
I realized a lot of people just do things or at least tend to do things they’re good at and have developed skills for. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that as I do the same. It was almost a no-brainer for me when people asked what I wanted to major in college. I took one college class in high school and it was Intro to Business. From there, I looked at colleges I wanted to get into and when examining my alma mater’s major list I happened upon Global Marketing Management.
When I tell people, they're like “OH WOW that must be something.” When in reality, it is a compilation of two of my interests (traveling and marketing), and I kid you not, a decision I made in a few minutes. Shh don’t tell Mom. I love the major, and though it was a practical decision, I don't discount my experience or the things I've learned at all.
Being multifaceted and skilled in many things, a career should not define you. Try new things and explore many different careers, whatever it might be. These should not be brought on by something like New Year’s, as I believe that if I want to learn/do something now is the time to start. I'm exploring all the things I’m interested in and finding things that excite me. Last year, I wouldn’t even have thought that I’d get back into reading so much that I would consider working in a bookstore and just be content doing that.
The point is that there’s so much to explore and learn in life and boxing yourself in as to what you want to do with your life is not the way to go. Don’t misconstrue what I’m saying for oh don’t work in jobs unless you love what you’re doing. It’s more so changing the mindset of aiming to have a certain job in life and that is your only aspiration.
In many other nations, the mindset is that people are working to live and not living to work. I’ve always wondered what that concept truly meant when I was younger. Now as I’m older and can explore other nations and their cultures I understand the concept. In case you are unfamiliar, quoted from Medium (OG author deleted it),
“Working to live means obtaining resources so that you can be a functional member of society, and to permit yourself a good lifestyle. On the other hand, “live to work” might be understood in two different ways. One is that your life is based around your work and nothing else, which could be pretty bad for you. The other one means you love your job so much that there is no clear line between your professional and personal life. Some might say that when you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life.”
While I don’t believe this word for word it sums it up pretty much. My interpretation is that as a society, especially in capitalistic nations, we tend to constantly want and push ourselves toward the point of burnout and depression. This is even when we are doing and making more than sufficient, have more than enough, and are still not satisfied. I still fall guilty of this and it's a constant battle.
Consumerism is the preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods, as defined by Oxford Languages. In those moments when I feel myself saying I need something nonessential, such as a new device, new clothes, or new decor, I evaluate my surroundings to remind myself that I am content with what I have and genuinely don’t need more. I post a lot of my clothes on Depop and Poshmark which are linked, so shop if you want!
Besides that, I find it fun to peruse my clothes every month or whenever the thought arises to buy a new item, and see what I want to incorporate into my wardrobe and what I haven’t worn in months. Additionally, giving away clothes and decor is another great way to go. It’s important that those with an excessive amount of belongings (from an objective POV), see what could be given to others or just to evaluate what we really need in life. I’m not trying to act high and all mighty, because as I write I remind myself of the same thing.
Soon, I’d love to move to another country to just experience a culture where people’s quality of life is higher than in the U.S. I think it’s necessary to experience and to gain some perspective, as I have never lived anywhere else. That’s something I’m looking forward to, but also ensuring that my current environment is one I love and to not be complacent. Putting things off until another part of my life is not a practice I want to get into. Time is relative and value needs to be put into every moment.
tata for now! xx
If you enjoyed this you should read:
Do I Have a Single Original Thought? (tbd)
btdubs: For those who noticed the cover, yes ‘The Little Prince’ movie is amazing and has influenced my thoughts here. This substack had me all over the place and wrote like a stream of consciousness. It’s fine though, I kind of like letting y’all inside of my head lol.
Also! A reminder to keep talking about Palestine, the DRC, and Sudan, & keep calling and emailing your representatives. Find a protest near you here and learn about the Boycotts, Divestments, and Sanctions (BDS) movement here.
Videos I referenced: