We have an interesting dialogue happening that started with Diana’s Describe Your Ideal Job entry, which addresses how to answer such a question in a job interview. Stu Kopelman responded with logical points regarding the concept of an “ideal job.” How many times have you been asked, “What is your dream job?”

Even if you document a dream job on paper, will you be happy every day in that job? Unlikely. Heck, you could work in your dream job for two different companies and end up being happy in one and miserable in the other. It’s not just the responsibilities and the day-to-day activities that identify a job as enjoyable or miserable. It’s also the environment, mentality, morale, and management styles.

When all the factors are positive (job role, management, environment, and so on), there will be days when you’re frustrated or angry. The happiest marriages and parents who love their kids all face bad days. Everything in life has a “bad” to it. But does that mean it’s not your dream spouse, dream family, or dream job? Not at all. It’s like your body - it’s going to have its bad days no matter how good you take care of it.

[Continue reading Ideal Job and Handling Criticism]