286: Debunking the Myth of the Dream Job and What to Pursue Instead with Lauren McGoodwin

The Modern Manager

Many professionals start their careers in the hope of eventually landing their dream job--that perfect position that checks off all the boxes on their list. But what really is a dream job? A big paycheck with a fancy title? A corner office with a million-dollar view? A good work-life balance? Well, what if I told you that it's time to let go of that dream job delusion and instead strive for something even better.

Today’s guest is Lauren McGoodwin. Lauren is the CEO of Career Contessa—an online career resource with content, career coaching, jobs, a salary database, and online training. She is also a speaker, author of Power Moves, and host of The Career Contessa Podcast.

In this episode, Lauren and I talk about the myth of the dream job and what you should actually be seeking, which is the "good enough" job. We get into the factors of creating a happy working environment, the role of managers in creating such, what managers can do to support struggling team members, and so much more.

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Conversation Topics

• (00:00) Intro
• (01:38) Debunking the myth of the dream job
• (03:54) Is finding your dream job still worth it?
• (06:29) Why a good enough job is better than a dream job
• (11:43) The role of managers in creating a good enough job environment
• (14:29) An example of letting go of a dream job for a good enough job
• (18:45) How to create an environment that helps people become impact players
• (22:33) What managers can do to support struggling team members
• (26:55) The truth about the 2-year work tenure rule
• (29:28) A great manager Lauren has worked with
• (30:11) Keep up with Lauren
• (31:29) [Extended Episode Only] The significance of doing one-on-ones with team members
• (34:53) [Extended Episode Only] The rule of thumb when doing one-on-ones
• (40:18) [Extended Episode Only] Final tips for creating a good enough work environment

Additional Resources:

- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month

- Read the full transcript here

- Read the related blog article here

- Follow me on Instagram here

- Visit my website for more here

Keep up with Lauren McGoodwin

- Follow Lauren on LinkedIn here

- Check her out on Instagram here

- Listen to the Career Contessa podcast here

- Visit Career Contessa for more information here

Giveaway: 3 Copies of Power Moves

Power Moves teaches women how to pivot, reboot, and build a career of purpose. Learn how to use the Power Moves approach to ditch the dream career myth, become your own career coach, and reclaim your life from work.

Get this guest bonus and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

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