Some Dream Jobs Are Really Nightmares - Learn From The Experience Of Others
/We all wait for that fateful day when we finally land our coveted “dream job,” and sometimes we really think we have. You can still remember the excitement you felt walking into your first day and the way you smiled when you talked about your new position.
Where did it go wrong?
The “Glossy Work” Dissonance And How It Affects Us
A 2018 study on job glamorization looked at the concept of Glossy Work, which are jobs that look shiny on the surface but are actually mundane and unfulfilling. The participants in the study worked as magazine fact checkers who routinely lied or embellished their position.
As one fact checker said:
“Because you’re affiliated with the magazine, people think you’re a strange type of royalty... …You're almost embarrassed to say you're a fact checker… …cause immediately they shut you off... and you just say, "That's not what I am. That's what I do. That's what I do to pay the rent."
While there’s nothing wrong with being a fact checker, these employees felt that they had to lie about their jobs to garner any respect in their industry. When a person feels a strong disconnect between their true selves and their jobs, they become miserable and often suffer in silence.
The study found that disconnected employees are less willing to disclose issues related to their jobs, either to their employers or others, which makes outsiders feel they’re “living the dream.”
Why We Lie About Our Dream Jobs (To Our Own Detriment)
There are good reasons to lie about our jobs. For example, if you’re online or speaking to strangers in person, you may want to hide your occupation to protect yourself from criminals.
However, we usually lie about our jobs, especially as we age, to earn status in our community. We may be embarrassed that life didn’t turn out as we hoped, or maybe we want to impress a new partner. Either way, there’s an enormous pressure placed on all of us to be successful.
As one fact checker said:
“Traditionally, that role (fact checker), because it's "not creative" and this is a creative medium, and anything not creative is less valued overtly even though it is absolutely necessary, essential, and any major or minor magazine can't function without it.”
When someone participates in Glossy Work, they often change how they describe their job based on who they’re speaking to. A magazine fact checker may say they’re working for a fancy magazine as a journalist, or they may say who they worked with to show their prestige.
According to JobSage, compensation is one of the 6 key factors employees consider when searching for employment, but a “feeling of purpose” is typically a more important metric to hit.
When we aren’t satisfied, we pretend we are, but this farce comes with consequences.
The Consequences Of Glorifying Non-Glamorous Jobs
We’re told to follow our passions, but at the end of the tunnel, we often feel buyer's remorse. However, we sunk all the time and energy into getting that job. It’s soul-crushing to admit that what we wanted was a lie, and at this point, we can’t turn back, so maybe lying doesn’t seem so bad.
You can get a new boss or change your work environment and coworkers, but if the job itself is the problem, there’s little you can do but change your perspective and become more positive.
Or so you think, there are things you can do to get out of this situation pretty quickly.
However, you’re in it now, and there’s a possibility you're experiencing the following problems:
The need to overvalue the better aspects of your job, like who you work for
The need to undervalue the worst parts of your job, like menial tasks
The feeling that your idea of the position doesn’t match up with reality
Disappointment that you can’t grow in your current position
Poor morale that may cause you to quit or make the same mistakes again
When someone else hears the positive aspect of your job, they may glorify it. This creates a vicious cycle where we’re unhappy with our position in life, but we tell others that we are.
What To Do If You Landed A Glossy Work “Dream Job”
Although you may feel trapped, there are a few things employers and prospective employees can do to break out of job-related disappointments and reduce turnover in their company.
Employees: Rework Your Expectations
Most dream jobs aren’t going to be sunshine and rainbows all the time. You’ll still have to do various tedious tasks every now and then. Try not to let mundane tasks bury the positive aspects of your job. At the same time, don’t lie if you’re truly unhappy and need help.
Employers: Craft Realistic Job Previews
Employers may lie about the less glamorous parts of a job to attract more applicants, but this is a losing game. Once your employees realize your job description doesn’t match reality, they may run out the door and never look back. Be honest when looking to fill more positions in your company.
Employees: Research Prospective Employers
There’s an old saying that employees don’t break up with their jobs; they break up with their employers. If you think your job wouldn’t be so bad with a better leader, then conduct research on all potential employers. Start looking at Google reviews and employee testimonials.
Employers: Match Passions With Work
Although employers assess passion in their candidates, they aren’t sure how that passion will apply to their role. If a candidate says they want to build robots, but they’re given administrative duties, they’re going to be unhappy. Try to match your employees' passion with their work.
Employees: Find A Job That Offers Growth
Sometimes it isn’t the entry-level position that’s bringing you down; it’s the lack of growth. You probably wouldn’t have a problem with mundane tasks if they amounted to something. If you crave recognition and growth, find an employer that wants to bring out the best in your talents.
