Most of us go to work every day, but quite often we can feel dissatisfied with our jobs, for any number of reasons. This can include not being paid enough, having a dislike for our colleagues, or feeling that we aren’t being used to the best of our potential.

Perhaps you can identify with what we are saying. Are you stuck in a job that gives you no pleasure? Then it’s probably time to have a career change. However, when it comes to finding a dream job, can there really be such a thing?

We can’t fully answer that question, as it depends entirely on yourself. You probably had very definite ideas when you were younger, but a lot of these may have been unrealistic.

Think back to your childhood. What did you want to be? An astronaut, a fighter pilot, a pop star? While it is possible to become any one of these things, they are out of reach for many of us, especially when we realise we don’t have the skills and talents needed.

A dream job is something that makes us happy, and again, that is dependant on who we are. There are those of us who work to live, earning enough money to enjoy a particular lifestyle. It doesn’t matter what the job is, as long as there is money in the bank.

On the other hand, there are those who live to work. These are the people who wake up in the morning and can’t wait to get to their jobs. So, the question is, what kind of person are you? This may dictate what your dream job looks like.

If you are looking for a job that pays well, you may be able to find something that suits you. However, money doesn’t make us happy, and you may still hate the work you are doing.

If you want a job that doesn’t involve stress, then you may be out of luck. Most jobs are stressful, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing if you enjoy the work you are doing.

Perhaps we should look at what the experts have to say. We have looked online, and the common consensus is that a dream job is something that offers personal fulfillment. This goes beyond money, but it doesn’t mean you have to go for a low paid job.

These are the three factors that psychologists believe go into a making a dream job.

Meaning

If you can find meaning in what you are doing, you are likely to be satisfied, such as using ideas to mix your faith and career, which will give you a sense of value.

Engaging

If the work holds your attention, and your day simply flies by because you are interested in what you are doing, you will get immense job satisfaction.

Rewarding

Be it helping others, or knowing that your skills are being used, you will find personal rewards from the work you are involved in.

So, the bottom line is this. If you can forget money, and concentrate on the three values above, you may be able to find your dream job.

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links.