“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” —Alice Walker
The Jobs You’re Supposed To Want.
Were you one of those kids who fumbled around cluelessly, not knowing how to answer when adults asked what sort of job you wanted as a “grown-up”?
Did you love science and math, but not feel satisfied with hopping on board the “Future Doctor Or Engineer” Express?
Did you love to read but feel uninterested in being a lawyer?
If this was, or is, you, I’m talking to you today- because I was (and still am) in the same club.
I was that kid who loved creative writing and philosophy, but also loved math and science. I was submitting entries to short story competitions while attending my school’s math club.
It was hard to make decisions about my future because I didn’t want to give anything up.
But what no one ever told me was this: maybe I didn’t have to.
By now it’s a cliche, but I’ll remind you anyway: many of the jobs that will be around in 10 years have not even been created yet.
What does this mean? It means we have freedom, and that the compromise you think you have to make probably doesn’t have to happen at all.
We are at a place in history where you really can design your career, and today I want to show you how to do just that.
Then, you can go out and create the dream job everyone has been telling you is impossible.
6 Ways I Am Designing My Dream Job Right Now
#1: Start with the Dream Day, Not the Dream Job.
I used to think that building a dream career meant figuring out a title: scientist, CEO, professor, entrepreneur.
But then I realized… I didn’t care about the title.
I cared about the day.
What did my dream workday look and feel like?
For me, it meant starting my morning energized—maybe I had just recorded a podcast episode or written a blog post the night before and woke up to a few kind messages from readers. Then, I’d head into the lab or my home studio, where I’d tinker with a new material concept, maybe derived from seaweed or waste paper.
I’d be collaborating with researchers, talking to local companies, and thinking about how to scale an idea.
In the evening, I’d go for a walk with my partner, or call a friend, or sketch out another creative idea.
That’s the vision, and every element of it—curiosity, creativity, community—is what I actually want more of now.
Reflection Prompt for You:
If you had enough money to never need to work again, how would you want to spend your time?
What would your dream day look like? And what parts of that day could you recreate this week, even in a small way?
#2: Think in Experiments, Not Big Leaps.
Dream jobs aren’t built overnight. They’re not linear, either.
I’ve started things that didn’t work out, changed my mind mid-project, and often wondered if I was “wasting time.”
But each failure taught me something new.
Recently, when I launched a women’s health storytelling project, I didn’t know anything the first thing about how to lead a big team or market a creative product.
I just knew this was something I was interested in trying.
It started with an experiment: if I messaged my peers on Telegram, would they express interest in helping me?
It turned out the answer was yes. A few messages started rolling in, and then more, and then more! I was excited. People wanted to try this with me. There was interest and momentum.
That “mini test” gave me the momentum and confidence to graduate the idea to the next level: let’s make a comic book and launch it at the end of the summer.
Now, we are still testing, but this approach has so far helped me to know myself better and understand what I really want to pursue.
That way, what ends up staying in my life isn’t an “I guess I’ll do this”; it’s a resounding “absolutely”.
Remember, you don’t need to commit to one path forever.
Want to be a researcher? Try reading a paper a week and reflecting on it in your journal or online.
Curious about science communication? Write one newsletter. Everything great starts as a trial run.
Ask Yourself:
If I knew I wouldn’t fail, what would I aspire to professionally?
Then try the smallest, lowest-stakes version of it this month.
#3: Your Dream Career Has Already Begun.
Stop postponing your dreams.
We tend to think the lives we want exist somewhere in the future—after the degree, after the perfect opportunity, after we’re “ready.”
But here’s the truth: life is right now. It’s upon us, and there is not infinite time left.
When I sit down to write this blog post, it’s not a side task—it is my dream job. I love to write, and for me, it’s a way to process my thoughts and help other people. When I visualize my dream career, there is a time every day when I do just that: write.
So, what do I make sure I have time for now? Writing.
Similarly, when I carve out time to read research papers or record a voice memo about a new creative idea, I remind myself:
I’m already living pieces of the life I want.
Even if you’re still in school, working a part-time job, or figuring things out—every decision you make in favor of your vision adds up. Don’t underestimate the power of your present momentum.
Affirmation to Try:
Every small action I take is a step toward the version of me I want to become.
#4: Curiosity is the Best Icebreaker.
When I started reaching out to people on LinkedIn, I worried a lot about how to come off “professional” enough. Should I sound more serious? Should I list credentials? Should I change my headline so that I sound more accomplished?
But my best conversations, and ultimately my most amazing professional relationships, have always started from one thing: curiosity.
Once, I messaged a woman who worked for a non-profit I really admired. I told her how inspiring I found her work, and asked if we could chat a bit. When we did finally hop on the call, she and I clicked immediately. At the end of it, we exchanged contact information and had many more chats.
Now, several months after connecting, we have both helped each other in different ways- her by giving me useful feedback on different projects, and me by helping her analyze some data.
In the end, it’s not about impressing anyone—it’s about learning.
In my experience, people respond to genuine enthusiasm more than polish. So I lean into my excitement.
Reminder:
The most powerful networking question isn’t “What can this person do for me?”
It’s “What can I learn from them?”
#5: Turn up the volume on your inner nerd.
Networking isn’t just about reaching out—it’s also about being someone others want to reach in to.
Contrary to what you may think, you don’t need to be an “expert” to share your passions.
In fact, letting people witness your learning process is often more powerful.
So start a blog. Post about a cool scientific paper you just read. Share a project you’re working on—even if it’s messy.
When you talk about what excites you, people doing similar work will find you. The network grows naturally when you show up with passion and vulnerability.
Try This:
Write one post this week about something you’re genuinely excited to learn or build. Post it on LinkedIn, Medium, or Substack. You never know who’s watching.
#6: Ask for Conversations, Not Favors.
When you’re reaching out to someone you admire, the goal isn’t to “ask for help”—it’s to start a meaningful conversation.
The difference is subtle but powerful.
Here’s what works better:
- “I read your article on eco-friendly packaging and found it fascinating. I’m starting to explore sustainable materials myself, and I’d love to hear what sparked your interest in this space.”
- “I saw that you transitioned from engineering into public health—I’m considering a similar pivot. Would you be open to a 15-minute chat about what helped guide your decision?”
No long resume intro. No pretending to be more experienced than you are. Just a thoughtful question and a warm, human tone. Genuine interest, and no attachment to the outcome.
People don’t respond to perfect outreach—they respond to authenticity.
Go make something unexpected.
Designing your dream job isn’t about waiting for the perfect opportunity to show up.
It’s about sketching boldly, prototyping with curiosity, and choosing to build a life (and job) that excites you, one decision at a time.
So ask the big “what ifs.”
Follow your weird ideas.
Study your joy like a blueprint.
You are the architect of a career that can make you come alive—and the world needs more people who have done just that.
Now, go make something beautifully unexpected.
Thought To Action
- Start a Curiosity Journal: Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s approach to learning, begin documenting your daily observations and questions. This practice nurtures a habit of inquiry and creativity.
- Embrace Constraints to Spark Innovation: Challenge yourself with limitations to enhance problem-solving skills.
- Integrate Artistic Practices into Learning: Incorporate art forms like drawing or music into your study routines to enhance understanding and retention of STEM concepts.
- Advocate for Inclusive Design: Engage in conversations and initiatives that promote clothing designs catering to diverse body types and needs.
- Start A Reading Habit: Check out this post to easily start reading about and enjoying the topics you’ve always wanted to learn more on.
Sources
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