my dream jobs vs what I do now
👩🏻💼 me if I followed my brain: lawyer
I was always a bookworm, good at taking tests, and obsessed with solving problems—law school seemed like the obvious path.
🎥 me if I followed my heart: acting
I studied theater in high school and college, and performing has always lit me up. It’s something I still try to keep in my life whenever I can.
👧🏻 me if I followed my soul: teaching
Both of my parents were teachers, and I always thought I’d become one too. I loved helping others learn—even as a kid.
✨ What I actually do now: I'm an Instructional Designer!
It turns out this job blends all those dreams—I get to design learning experiences, work with amazing people, and tell stories through education. Sometimes the path that looks "unexpected" ends up being the perfect fit.
What’s your dream job? 🫶🏻
#lemon8partner #dreamjob #careergoal #career #instructionaldesigner
Choosing a career path often feels like walking a tightrope between following your brain, your heart, or your soul. Many of us grow up imagining ideal versions of ourselves—a lawyer who solves complex problems, an actor who captivates audiences, or a teacher who shapes young minds. These diverse aspirations reflect the different facets of who we are and what we value. The brain-driven path is usually the most logical and secure, like pursuing law because of analytical strengths and a love for tests and problem-solving. The heart-led path, such as acting, taps into emotional expression and creativity, offering fulfillment that pure logic cannot provide. Following the soul, like the desire to teach inspired by family influence, brings a deeper sense of purpose and connection with others. When these dreams seem to pull us in different directions, it’s common to feel torn. However, careers like instructional design demonstrate that you don’t always have to choose one at the expense of the others. Instructional designers create educational content and experiences that engage learners effectively, combining storytelling (heart), problem-solving and structure (brain), and a commitment to helping others grow (soul). This profession often goes unnoticed compared to more traditional roles but is crucial in education and training across industries. It requires creativity to design engaging materials, analytical skills to assess learning needs, and empathy to understand diverse learners. For anyone who has ever felt their dream careers are far apart, instructional design shows how integrating your passions can lead to a fulfilling, unexpected career path. If you’re grappling with your dream job versus your current reality, consider how your skills and passions might align in ways you haven’t yet explored. Sometimes the best-fit job isn’t the one you initially imagined but one that allows you to live out multiple dreams in harmony. What might seem like an unexpected career can actually be your perfect fit, blending logic, creativity, and heartfelt purpose into one rewarding role.
