Dream jobs really can become a reality
Survey finds many Canadians believe work can’t get any better
CALGARY — It turns out that finding that elusive dream job may be easier than you think.
A recent survey suggests a majority of men — and to a lesser extent women — have found their “dream job.”
Peter Ng is a case in point. The 36-year-old Calgary realtor and associate broker of KORE Real Estate Group says that being in control of his own destiny is a big reason he considers himself in his dream job.
“Being your own boss, I get to pursue the goals that I want to and it puts you in the driver’s seat,” says Ng. “The sky’s the limit. The only limitation is how far I want to go.”
On average, about half of Canadian workers say they are currently working in their dream jobs, according to a survey by Pollara Inc.
It found 51 per cent of men and 43 per cent of women say they have found their ultimate career roles.
A majority of workers — 65 per cent — also report being happy to go to work.
Seventy per cent of employees surveyed said they feel valued at work, a statistic that seems to transcend demographics.
Forty-seven per cent of Canadians overall report being in dream jobs, as do 46 per cent of workers under the age of 35 (compared to 50 per cent in Alberta).
“When people feel like they have ownership in where they’re working, they’re least likely to abandon it,” says Laura Parsons, area manager of specialized sales for BMO Bank of Montreal in Alberta.
Ng, who became a realtor in 2005 prior to the Alberta real estate boom, now leads a team of real estate marketing professionals and says waking up every day with a new challenge and a passion for his work is why he considers himself in his dream job.
“There hasn’t been a boring day,” he explains. “Each day I deal with a challenge, which keeps my job very dynamic.”
The survey results suggest he’s not alone in his thinking.
“We know that satisfied workers are more engaged and more productive,” notes Lynn Roger, chief talent officer for BMO Financial Group, which sponsored the survey of 1,005 Canadians.
“Business owners and business managers need to be much more strategic in their hiring, not only finding employees with the right skills for the job, but also who possess a genuine passion for the vocation itself.”
Despite their apparent happiness with work, it wouldn’t take much for many to leave their jobs.
Two out of three workers surveyed (64 per cent) say they’d happily leave their dream job if they won the lottery.
Entrepreneurs, however, are more tied to their definition of ultimate happiness, with only 39 per cent saying they’d sell their business after a lottery win.
“This affirms what we know about small-business owners — they are extremely dedicated to their business,” says Steve Murphy, senior vice-president of commercial banking at BMO Bank of Montreal.
It appears that money doesn’t count for everything, either.
“If you treat your (employees) well and give them a sense of ownership, they will come through for you,” adds Parsons.
Flexible work arrangements, perks and other benefits help inspire workers to show up each day.
A company’s corporate culture also has a profound effect on how people perceive their jobs.
Parsons advises workers who are still looking for that dream job to try networking, and to do their research.
“You’re going to have to push yourself,” she says. “Budget for a job change.”
Many recruiters routinely advise people to avoid looking immediately for that dream job.
Instead, they say that looking for a role where the worker feels he or she is a good match with the employer’s values is the best start.
Dream jobs don’t always happen overnight.
“You’re never going to be the best at something until you truly enjoy what you do and you have a passion for it,” says Ng.