This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Lindsay Daneen. Find her on Instagram at @_lindsay_daneen. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
What are some non-negotiables when it comes to your dream job? I like flexibility. I hate to be micro-managed. And I prefer to work in an environment with like-minded people so I can be myself, unapologetically. But wait… I want to get paid well. I also love an abundance of vacation and sick days. Oh, good health insurance is a must! However, I like to work virtually as often as possible too. Damn, this is harder than I thought! I think I speak for many when I say we worked hard to get that dream job. We did exactly what we were told regarding education, internships, hard work, and networking. So why is my job not perfect? Here’s the truth of the matter. Does the perfect job exist? Maybe. However, we may need to readjust and reimagine what perfection is. Let’s chat.
Job vs. Career
First things first. I want a career. What’s the difference? The difference is simply the journey. A career is a compilation of similar jobs or jobs that share a common denominator. You can have a job without a career, but you can’t have a career without jobs. Are you following? Frankly, I have a passion. I want that passion to be incorporated into every aspect of any job I may have. With any luck and a lot of dedication, I hope this becomes a reality. If you can relate to this desire, it’s safe to say that this contributes to what you’ll consider the “perfect job.” It’s a start, at least.
Compensation
We all love money. And if you’re not driven by money, you’re at least driven by the desire to have anything you ever need and some of what you want. Money is associated with safety and stability. Therefore money, whether we like to admit it or not, is important to the average person. First, figure out where you fall on the money scale. Are you someone who prioritizes luxury? Or are you a minimalist? You could be in the middle where you just like to be comfortable. You don’t want a BMW and you don’t trust a hoopty, but a Prius will suffice. Once you determine the type of life that suits you, you’ll be able to determine what salary you need to call your job perfect. Just remember that although it’s important, money isn’t everything.
Location
Thanks to Covid and the virtual era that it ushered in, many companies are more flexible and allowing their employees to work from home. Is this something that works for you? Do you love to see your colleagues every day? Or are you more of a recluse? You could be like me and lean closer to the recluse side but welcome the option of participating in the world when the urge strikes. Once you come to terms with your true work identity, you’re one step closer to finding the job that’s meant for you.
Work Environment/ Learning Style
Auditory, visual, interpersonal, and logical. These are all learning styles. Your perfect job will allow you to learn and feel supported enough to thrive. Not every supervisor will match your learning style. But if you have one that tries to meet you halfway or match it to the best of their ability, that’s a keeper. This means they appreciate what you bring to the table and see your potential. This attribute is often overlooked. But don’t be fooled. Once you are in the thick of your career or meet a challenging part of your job, you’ll appreciate a manager who respects your learning style and allows you to thrive in a patient and healthy environment.
Health Insurance/ Other Benefits
I swear to you. At a certain age, I could have cared less about health insurance. I never even thought about it! I just never got sick. Although I still only catch a cold every 3-4 years, I have grown to appreciate the option to visit the doctor whenever something comes up. I’m learning that illness is inevitable in some capacities and that you can’t avoid injuries forever. That is why health insurance is non-negotiable. I love seeing my therapist. I love having a great dentist. And I can’t put a price on the peace of mind that comes with knowing if anything happens I can see a health professional without going into major debt. Don’t take that for granted.
Other benefits include an abundance of unlimited sick time and vacation days. There’s nothing like a company that understands and encourages time off. A great job is a job that requires you to take time for yourself and your family. The perfect place understands that for the company to thrive, its employees must be healthy and thriving. It is a team effort.
Upward Mobility
Some people are perfectly happy being at the same company in the same position until retirement. I respect that! If it’s not broken, why fix it, right? But for those of you who want more, which I also respect, make sure the company is in support of you moving around the company or moving up in the company. They’re close to perfect if they uplift you and drive you to explore. The best employees are well-rounded and have institutional knowledge. If your job understands that, you’re in a great space.
How to Find This Job
For the actual answer to your question, “Does the perfect job exist?” It can! It does! Understand these are all reasonable asks. But you can’t find the perfect job until you discover what you need from said job. I don’t mean what society says you need or what your parents think you need. What do YOU need out of your job? Then you execute. Job interviews aren’t one-sided. You’re interviewing the company too. Keep your resume updated and keep a note of the work you do. This practice allows you to lay out what you want to continue to do and what you’d prefer to step away from in your next role. Ultimately finding the perfect job is less about the job and more about you. Figure out what you desire, what you deserve, and finally how to get there. The ball is in your court.
We’d love to hear your feedback. Are there any job deal breakers or things that you can’t live without at work? What’s your perfect job? There’s no wrong answer. Just comment below.
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