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Top business and career coaches from Forbes Coaches Council offer firsthand insights on leadership development & careers.

Many professionals start their careers thinking they will eventually end up in their “dream job” — that one perfect, magical position where their best skill sets and deepest passions align. Many people convince themselves they’ve landed this ideal position when they get a new job, and end up disillusioned when they realize there are certain aspects of it that they dislike.

Some believe the term “dream job” is a misnomer, and sets people up to expect and chase perfection where it doesn’t exist. Others simply believe people need to redefine the term and see the perfection in the career path they’re already on. We asked 13 members of Forbes Coaches Council to share their opinion on whether there’s truly one perfect job out there for every professional.

All images courtesy of Forbes Councils members.

Members of Forbes Coaches Council share their insight.

1. Your Dream May Evolve 

It is completely possible that a job exists that fulfills one’s passion. However, if one has multiple passions or those passions evolve over time, that one job will likely not hold the title of “dream job” forever. Your career will likely lead you on many adventures. Dream big, be open to change, and every so often, ask yourself what the dream job is right now. – Lizabeth Czepiel, Lizabeth Czepiel, LLC

2. You Can Create Your Own Dream Job 

I’ve had more than one dream job. And it was awesome! There’s always room for improvement in conditions, but the best motivation comes from within. When you are reaching for a particular role or an ideal day, stay focused and present with what feels right for you. The dream is creating your job. If you get paid to do something you love, let the title go. – Meredith Moore Crosby, Leverette Weekes

3. Maybe We Get More Than One Dream Job 

All jobs have a balance sheet, and the rational person stays as long as the major benefits outweigh the major negatives. That analysis can change in a heartbeat. We can sometimes shape certain aspects of our jobs to better meet our needs, getting closer to the dream. Over time, our definition of “dream” also changes. Locking into the idea of “the one” dream job probably does us a disservice. – Kathy Bernhard, KFB Leadership Solutions

4. Defining A Dream Job Is More About How You Want To Be Than What You Want To Do 

I work with so many overachievers who seemingly have it all but they still find themselves asking, “Is this all there is?” Often, people have their dream job but don’t realize it. Or they have their dream job and it’s turned into a nightmare. To ultimately be happy don’t start with the question, “What do I want to do?” Instead, first ponder, “How do I want to be?” – Stella Grizont, WOOPAAH

5. Dream Jobs Feel Unattainable If You’re Looking For Perfection 

Like a needle in a haystack, defining a dream job can feel like an unattainable burden. I prefer to frame it as an ideal job for right now and explore these questions: What would you like to do? What are the possibilities given your constraints? What might you do if you could remove a constraint? What is a role that makes you excited? Take the pressure off identifying and finding perfection. – Jenn Lofgren, Incito Executive & Leadership Development