I Don't Have A Dream Job: In My Dreams I Don't Work

"I don't have a dream job.  In my dreams I don't work" is a phrase I coined years ago.  

When I was younger, I wanted to be a lawyer.  I wanted to be a lawyer because I liked to debate and it seemed lucrative.  When I entered college, my first major was Criminal Justice.  After one semester at Kennesaw State University, I realized I may not make it 4 years (let alone anything additional to be a lawyer).  Long story short, I changed my major.  I moved to New York City after college, worked for a financial firm in the Empire State Building for a little while, and that's when it clicked. I am living what I thought was a dream, and I still wasn't content...

Firstly, let's get address the elephant in the room.  Everyone thinks Millennials are lazy trolls that do not want to work.  The title of this blog doesn't help the cause.  At a glance, people think the quote means I am lazy and I just don't want to work.  And while that's partly true, the reality is I have had a job since I was 14, and working has never been an issue.  My issue is I am a big dreamer.  I won't cap my dream at being realistic.  It's a dream, it doesn't have to be realistic. 

When you're a true dreamer, the sky is the limit.  Nothing is off limits for me.  I was raised as the kid that really believed I could be anything I wanted to be when I grew up.  While I have a firm understanding of reality as an adult (understanding you first need an open position TO be whatever you want to be), I still stand in the theory you want be whatever you want.  I feel like generations before Millennials weren't true dreamers (not every single person in each generation, but collectively).  When I use dream in this piece, I am mostly speaking of the term "dream job".  It seems previous generations were taught you could find a job you'll love, and persuaded themselves that's a dream.  But in my opinion, that's not really a dream because it's more a realistic than not.  Their dreams weren't outside the box.  In my opinion, thinking outside the box is a key element of a true dream.  Those "dreams" were in 'the box' but taken to a new level in the box. 

What is a dream?

Per 'The Google'; to dream means to contemplate the possibility of doing something or that something might be the case; to fantasize.  If I am fantasizing, why stop at working? Let's cut the middle man and just give me the money!  It's evident I love to write.  So people always tell me my dream job should be a full-time author.  And while that's a lot more ideal than what I am currently doing for money, writing isn't my dream job.  In my dreams I don't work. 

Financial Aspect

Yes, being a full-time writer sounds awesome.  But you know what sounds even more awesome?  Writing when I feel like it and not having a stress of writing to provide for my family or pay my bills.  As an artist, I never want to force writing.  But when you've committed to a job, you don't have that luxury.  If you want to pay the bills, you have to write.  In a job-type situation, you have to write even when you don't have anything to write about.  And even worse; you have to write when you don't have the mental to create.  Forced writing isn't my dream.  I know I am supposed to pretend it is my dream because it's better than what I am currently doing for money, but as a true dreamer whose sky is the limit - this is not the best dream I can come up with. 

Time Commitment

If every day I could do anything in this world, I would do what I wanted.  I know.  That answer is vague and convoluted.  But let me clarify: some days I want to sleep all day, some days I want to sit on a beach all day, some days I want to write, and some days I want to hang out with my family.  In a perfect world, or a dream, I want the freedom to do whatever without worrying how it will affect me.  I don't want to be committed to working so that I can provide for myself and my family. Obviously, my reality is I have to work to provide.  But are we talking reality, or a dream?

I say all that to say this: if you're going to dream, dream big.  Don't let realities cloud your dreams. Realistic "dreams" are goals.  Know that dreams that are "all the way out there" can still be attainted. And although they can be attained, I think it's important to know it's called a dream, and not a goal, for a reason.  I feel like these days people dream small.  They dream small so after they've accomplished whatever was set-out, they can psych themselves into believing they are living a dream that actually was more a goal.  My dream is to not have to work, and write anyway for the hell of it.  My dream is to "have no job" but still afford my lifestyle.  In my dreams, I don't work and I live life free.  Obviously this isn't a reality.  But are we talking about realities, or dreams?