Dream Seekers

1. Do you sit at work thinking about ways to get out and follow your true calling (actor, writer, dancer, cupcake baker)?
2. Are you comfortable without a steady paycheck?
3. Are you able to structure your own day?
4. Are you good at setting deadlines and following them?
5. Do you always need someone to tell you what to do?
6. Do you take no for an answer?

Now, forget every question except the last. Those were meant to get you in the right frame of mind. For those of you who answered "no" for that question, this info is for you. You’re a dreamer. Someone who’ll do anything it takes to make your dream happen. This, of course, comes with a price. Dreamers often experience unimaginable lows, waiting for that callback, waiting for the funding, waiting, waiting, waiting…It’s inevitable. Failure and waiting are inescapable elements of dreaming.

Choosing the Right Dream Job

What is it you really love to do and could see yourself being successful at? Think about it. Now think about your personality and how it suits the pursuit of that passion. If you’re a recluse and simply can’t talk to people no matter hard you try, you’re probably not going to land a job as a publicist, movie producer, or press agent. Maybe you’re better suited as a writer. On the other hand, if having no one to talk to all day gives you suicidal thoughts, then a job as a freelance writer isn’t the best choice. You’ll need thick skin to make it on Broadway or in Hollywood. If you don’t have people skills, you shouldn’t go into management. Get it?

So, yes, it’s important to pursue your passion, but it’s also important to be realistic with your own personality and your own limitations with regard to that passion. Some people are more driven than others. Some people take bigger risks than others. Some people have more natural talent than others. Some people can ‘wing it’ better than others. Where do you fit in?

Adding Reality to Your Dream

Just because you’re a dreamer doesn’t mean you have to live in the clouds. There are plenty of ways to add practicality to your choices and help give yourself a little more of a foundation. Of course, first you have to decide what it is you want to do. Then, prepare for everyone and their mother to tell you why you shouldn’t embark on this dream. "It’s too unstable!" "Too much competition!" "But you have a college degree!"

Tell all of these people to take a hike. Set your sights on what it is you want and write it down. Learn everything there is to know about your ‘dream job.’ If it’s to open a teahouse, you’re going to need to know the ins and outs of tea as well as how to run a business. If you want to be an actor, you’ll need to learn everything about getting good headshots to training programs. And then, after all this hard work is done, you're going to have to figure out one more tiny little thing.

How to Pay The Rent