Turning Your Dream Job Into Your Dream Gig

Over the last few days, we’ve been recapping our recent Tweetchat with Wise Bread about the benefits of living the Gig Economy Lifestyle.

The Gig Economy Lifestyle is whatever you want it to be, which is one of the things that makes it’s so great. For one person, the Gig Economy Lifestyle might be having a full-time office job and making extra money on the weekends as a professional closet organizer or graphic designer. For another, it might be making that design or organizational job their main source of income.

One of the keys to living the Gig Economy Lifestyle is figuring out your passion and using it to make money. For many of us, our full-time jobs are a way to make a steady paycheck and have good insurance. But your Gig should be something you love to do. It should be your dream job.

During our Tweetchat, we asked people what their dream gig would be.

@wisebread q4 Drawing, I’m also great with making logos #WBChat #FiverrChat

— sharon (@PinkHippo13) January 22, 2015

@wisebread a4 travel agency #fiverrchat #wbchat

— melinda gail (@melinda74) January 22, 2015

The great thing about this question is that reveals so much about the person who answers it. For instance, someone who says they’d like to be a travel agent probably has seen a lot of the world and has a talent for organizing great vacations. And the workaday accountant who says she wants to be a graphic designer probably has a love of the visual arts that she doesn’t get to explore during her day job.

Many people—especially retirees—are learning that retiring at age 65 is going to be tough and that they will always have to have some sort of job. So why not find one that makes you happy?

If you’re looking to enter the Gig Economy Lifestyle, think long and hard about what it is that you’re good at. Also, don’t be afraid to ask others—family members, good friends, former colleagues—what they think you’re good at. They may notice talents in you that you don’t recognize.

Learn how to read between the lines. A dream gig may come not by figuring out what you’re good at, but by highlighting a personality trait. For instance, if you decide that you’re a very organized person or have a way with words, think about how you can use this to your benefit.

In the end, landing your dream gig isn’t that tough. All you have to do is follow your dreams. After you’ve done that, connect with people who need what you have to offer and experience the job that comes with doing what you love.