DREAM JOB VS ACTUAL JOB???

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? How does that compare to what you actually do now?

I know for me I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. My grandparents and my aunt are all teachers. Some of the most important people in my life were teachers. To be that for someone else is the most rewarding feeling ever.

And summers off don’t hurt either;)

Regardless of what you wanted to do vs what you actually do, it’s all important. This challenge is showing me just how different everyone’s lives are! I love reading all your comments.

Would your younger self believe the job you have now?

Until next time:)~

Celeste🎓

#ratingjobs #jobs #job #lemon8challenge #jobadvice

2025/6/3 Edited to

... Read moreWhen we think about our dream jobs, we often envision a path filled with excitement and fulfillment. Reflecting on our childhood aspirations reveals insights into our values and influences. For many, the jobs we choose are shaped by early experiences, family backgrounds, and societal pressures. In the case of educators, like the author, the inspiration often comes from impactful figures in our youth. Embracing creativity, adaptability, and ongoing learning can bridge the gap between desire and reality. It's essential to remember that every job has its rewards and challenges, and personal fulfillment can come from unexpected places. Many individuals have shared their journeys, highlighting how they have pivoted from initial dreams toward new opportunities that align more closely with their skills and passions. Supporting each other in our unique career pathways, whether as teachers, artists, or entrepreneurs, helps foster a more connected community. Reflecting on how far we've come can unveil surprising truths about our life choices and accomplishments, encouraging others to pursue their own dreams while appreciating the diverse paths we all walk. Ultimately, our jobs may differ from our youthful dreams, but understanding that personal satisfaction can be derived from various experiences enriches our professional lives.

148 comments

H3llfa1r3y's images
H3llfa1r3y

not sure what i wanted to be before middle school but in 6th and 7th i wanted to be a baker then in 8th a photographer then in 10th a teacher who also teaches yearbook so i could combine the photography and teaching but now im graduated from high school as of may and just got basically promoted to General Manager at a pizza place ive been working at for almost 2 years but left a few times for personal reasons and because i moved after graduation but now im going back as GM and couldn’t be happier

See more(2)
Mkay's images
Mkay

When I got asked as a child in elementary school, I wanted to be a firefighter ballerina. Middle school, I wanted to be a school therapist High school, forensic psychologist Now as a high school drop out, I’m an in home direct care staff for people with developmental disabilities

See more(1)

See more comments

Related posts

DREAM JOB VS ACTUAL JOB???
My dream job is honestly one where I don’t have to work to survive let’s start there LOL But honestly I’ve always always always had so much fun and fulfillment in making content. I started when I was 15 running my own Instagram astrology page and made over $5000 doing shoutouts/deals. That was
celeste ☆

celeste ☆

60 likes

What was your Dream Job Vs Real Job 🫶
When I was a child I wanted to be a zookeeper, and honestly I’m glad I didn’t pursue that in anyway. I hate the zoo, like I literally HATE the zoo. I can’t stand being there, it’s too crowded too many people, I end up feeling bad for the animals, everything is expensive. I HATE THE ZOO OK ?? 👍🏻
Nichole ✨☕️

Nichole ✨☕️

7 likes

Dream Job Then vs. Now🤧✨🫶
Time for a little life check-in🔥 What did you want to be in high school? And what do you actually do now? #highschooldream #dreamlife #dreamjob #career #calliegifts
Calliegifts

Calliegifts

0 likes

A laptop open on a wooden desk with a coffee cup, a pink pen, a pink hand sanitizer spray, a strawberry-patterned earbud case, and a small pink bottle. The text overlay reads "Dream job VS Reality: staffing coordinator."
A four-panel collage showing a person typing on a laptop with coffee, a person pulling a suitcase in an airport, an office with a city view, and a laptop on an outdoor table with a sea view. The text overlay asks, "Did yours match up?"
A four-panel collage showing a person working at a desk with dual monitors, another person working at a desk with dual monitors, a planner with handwritten notes, and a person taking a mirror selfie in an office restroom. The text overlay asks, "Did yours match up?"
Dream job VS Reality: Staffing Coordinator
Dream - of being a staffing coordinator: The company I work for is a pretty big company who has entities internationally. I dreamed of traveling to other countries for workshops, meeting colleagues etc. This seemed so cool because I get to learn new things of cultures and just network! I al
Jackie

Jackie

21 likes

A woman in blue scrubs takes a mirror selfie, holding a phone. Her ID badge, visible on her chest, identifies her as a Medical Assistant. The image has text overlays asking "What's Your Title?" and "Ask Lemon8," with decorative elements like a purse and shoes.
What’s Your Current Title vs Your Dream Job! ✨❓
Hi, my name is Macquria and I am currently a Certified Medical Assistant and have been since 2015. I recently got accepted in a Nursing School and so my dream job is to become a Registered Nurse and work in a Trauma Center and then become a Flight 🚁 Nurse 🥰. I want to do that for a few year
Macquoria|Content Creator

Macquoria|Content Creator

87 likes

A collage showing potential careers if one listened to their head, including coding, construction plans, circuit boards, and nautical charts, representing analytical or technical fields.
A collage showing potential careers if one listened to their heart, featuring beauty products, glowing skin, elegant dresses on mannequins, and hands working with pink fabric, representing creative or aesthetic fields.
A collage showing potential careers if one listened to their soul, including a glowing dumbbell, fitness program details, a healthy meal, and a gym interior, representing health and wellness coaching.
Dream Job vs. Reality 💭✨ vs. 💉👣
Thought this trend was so bittersweet, so here goes… DREAM: Helping people walk again. Changing lives. Deep human connection. Nurse hero moments. Cups of coffee in calm, clean hospitals. Sunlight streaming into patient rooms. Feeling fulfilled every day. REALITY: 12-hour shifts on you
nurse_sunee

nurse_sunee

60 likes

Dream job vs reality 💸
Back in the day I worked for a financial firm at the ripping age of 19 -22 What did I know about anything at that age It was commissioned based but it taught me many financial principles & skills It introduced me to a life of wealth & I was able to meet financial millionaires
Jackie Arvizu

Jackie Arvizu

6 likes

Dream Jobs, Harsh Truths💓💚
Everyone glamorizes these jobs online, but here’s what they actually look like behind the scenes. Let’s break the myth vs. reality so you’re not romanticizing the wrong career Want the real tea on what your dream job looks like IRL? Drop your career goal below and I’ll break it down. Try Mindpr
VowArchive

VowArchive

126 likes

✨📇 Which Job Do You Feel Suits You Best?? 👩🏾‍💻✨
☕️✨ If your career was a cup… which one are you sipping from? 👀💼 Slide through & pick your personality in job form, from bookseller to fashion designer to… ladybug and pomegranate?? (yes, seriously 😂) ✨Each cup in this post has a vibe and a calling. Some are giving soft life artist, others s
Margarita

Margarita

67 likes

A person in blue scrubs and a patterned scrub cap stands in a medical supply room, looking down. Shelves filled with various medical supplies are visible in the background, suggesting an organized healthcare environment.
Stacks of medical supply boxes are neatly arranged on a shelf. The boxes are labeled with reference numbers and descriptions in multiple languages, indicating fluid management system components and procedure kits.
Shelves are filled with clear plastic bins containing various medical supplies, likely sutures or similar items. The packaging shows reference numbers and descriptions, indicating organized inventory for surgical procedures.
My Dream Job vs. Where I Actually Found Joy
For years, I dreamed of working in pediatrics. The idea of caring for kids always felt like the “perfect” fit. But after spending time in the OR, I realized that sometimes the path you imagine isn’t where you truly thrive. The OR challenges me in ways I never expected, and honestly, it’s made me so
Katesy

Katesy

15 likes

Dream Job vs. Reality
When I became a nurse, I thought I had landed my dream job. I imagined every shift would feel meaningful, like something straight out of Grey’s Anatomy. The reality looks a lot different. Twelve hour shifts that turn into fourteen. Missed meals. Feet that ache so badly I drive home in silence. E
syd✨🌷

syd✨🌷

22 likes

My dream job ✏️
#dreamworkplace #teacher
LUCYthatgirl

LUCYthatgirl

10 likes

what do you think my dream job is just by looking at me?
#dreamjob #whatdoyouthink #jobs #work #viral
ARI🧁

ARI🧁

83 likes

Dream Job 💭vs Reality 🫶
This trend is so bittersweet..here’s my take 🥹 DREAM: Help people heal Solve problems Work with children Establish positive interactions REALITY: 12 hour shifts On my feet all day Getting yelled at by patients and their families Overworked and underpaid Short Staffed BUT STILL
Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn

11 likes

My dream job
Marine biology
Soph 7777777

Soph 7777777

1844 likes

2 Steps to Figuring Out Your Ideal Job
Is there such a thing as a dream job???? Idk yet but what I DO know, is there is such a thing as a wrong-fit job. And many people, especially straight out of college, find that they are in the wrong career path. If that’s you, don’t fear! Here are two super simple steps to figuring out what job
michaelajonsson

michaelajonsson

104 likes

What was your dream job as a kid? VS reality
As a kid I always wanted to be some sort of doctor and now I am a florist 💐 My job is to literally work with flowers. #letschat #childhood #childhooddreams #dreamjob #comment
Abigail

Abigail

17 likes

Dreams vs reality…
Thought this trend was so bittersweet🥺 I’m currently working remotely as an energy efficiency consultant and wouldn’t say it’s very fulfilling🤷🏽‍♀️ #Lemon8Diary #career #CareerJourney #realitycheck
emily jo’elle

emily jo’elle

5021 likes

A person kneels on a boat deck, gently touching a large fish, possibly a shark or swordfish. The text overlay reads, "What my Dream job looks like," highlighting a passion for marine life and conservation.
A collage shows various marine biology activities: working with a turtle, snorkeling with a manatee and fish, observing with binoculars, underwater research, studying marine specimens, and examining coastal findings.
This collage depicts aspects of a marine biologist's dream job, including lab work with microscopes, examining coral, underwater exploration, a messy research station, diving for coral restoration, sailing, and oceanography studies.
Dream job looks like
Dream job would be working in coral reef or wetland conservation!! 💙🐢🐬🦭🐋🦈 #marine biologist #saveouroceans #conservation #lemon8diarychallenge #dreamjob
Isabella Dos

Isabella Dos

22 likes

A person in light blue scrubs and white clogs holds a stethoscope and a syringe, suggesting a medical profession. An overlay asks, 'what was your dream job as a kid? Is that your current job?'
what was your dream job as a kid??💉💼🕵🏻‍♂️👩🏻‍💻
What was your dream job as a kid?🧐 Is that your current job now?✨ For me, my dream job a child was a princess, so unfortunately no😅👸🏻 What about you?❤️ #dreamjob #work #corporategirly #ditl
Captain Lemon8

Captain Lemon8

142 likes

Dreams VS. Reality
I actually love my job as an ophthalmic technician! I always wondered what more I could do… 🤔
Steph

Steph

3 likes

Dream Job > working a 9-5
Working towards your goal is hard when I’m interested in so many different things 😂 #wedding #virtualassistant #socialmediamanager #comfortcreator #traveltiktok
annalycemorato

annalycemorato

1 like

A first-person view of a person's feet in white sneakers on concrete stairs, with text "MY DREAM jobs" and "that i just can't decide between" overlaid, introducing career paths.
A blonde woman holding a microphone with a network logo, looking to the side, with the text "nhl sports reporter" overlaid, representing a potential career.
A collage of multiple X-ray images showing different human bones and body parts, with the text "radiologist" overlaid, illustrating a career in radiology.
MY DREAM JOBS
i’m a college student with 4 different career paths i’m looking into, i thought i would make this post to show that it is okay to be in college and not know what you want to do yet ! i’ve been leaning towards radiology because the other few seem more unrealistic to me but i believe that i and any
amanda marie

amanda marie

38 likes

A bouquet of pink, white, and red flowers in a vase on a counter, with text overlay "PROS and CONS of Having a job in high school" serving as the article's title.
A list titled "PROS" on lined paper, detailing five benefits of having a high school job, including learning, getting paid, independence, new connections, and good customer interactions.
A list titled "CONS" on lined paper, outlining five disadvantages of having a high school job, such as loss of free time, annoying friends, potential conflict, pressure to learn fast, and seeing disliked people.
Pros and cons of having a job in high school!
#workandschool #job #highschool #lemon8diary #prosandcons
𝐀𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐲 💋

𝐀𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐲 💋

130 likes

Dream job rotation, to be honest
And the last one actually takes up all of my time🥲 #marketingjobs #socialmediajobs #dreamjobs #freelancer
anniegodinn

anniegodinn

49 likes

My dream jobs
jobs i want to work when im older #dreamjob #dreamlife #like #follow
shay shay ™️

shay shay ™️

60 likes

A brick university building with a clock tower and an American flag, under a blue sky. Overlaid text asks, "WHAT DO YOU HAVE A DEGREE IN? NOW... WHAT'S YOUR ACTUAL JOB?". A person walks away from the building. The Lemon8 logo is visible.
DEGREE VS JOB?📚🎓💪🏻
What did you go to school for and what job do you do now??⁉️ How different do you feel like these fields are from each other?🫠 If you’re currently in school, do you think you’ll do a job that’s centered around your degree, or do you think you’ll go in a different direction?🎓 #AskLemon8
Lemon8 US

Lemon8 US

403 likes

A camera lens is aimed at a herd of deer grazing in a vast grassy field, illustrating the dream of wildlife photography. The image includes the text "my dream job if money didn't matter."
A professional camera on a tripod is set up in a lush forest, with two curious wild animals, possibly fox and bobcat cubs, observing it from the mossy ground.
A hand holds a camera, capturing a vibrant orange and yellow sunset over the ocean, with the camera's screen displaying the same breathtaking scene and some settings.
dream job if money didn’t matter
Photography has my heart💙 #canonphotography #photographydreams #embracevulnerability
Emily Lindgren

Emily Lindgren

130 likes

A collage showing four scenes from a classroom. It includes a smiling teacher, a cozy reading nook, a decorated snack table, and a classroom set up for a 'glow day' event. The text overlay reads 'MY CAREER IF I LISTEN TO MY HEAD'.
MY CAREER IF I LISTEN TO MY HEART🫶🏼
Do any of you love your job but have a dream job that you still think of?! Don’t get me wrong, I love being a teacher but if I could have my DREAM, it would be to be a travel reviewer. Could you imagine getting PAID to travel the world and write up reviews and share your experiences?! To me, this j
Kylie Lenear✏️🧡

Kylie Lenear✏️🧡

1488 likes

About My dream Job
Hello Angels! Today, I wanted to share more about my modeling career in the USA. I have been modeling since I was young, back in my home country of Georgia. As I grew older, I set my sights on building my career in Turkey, where I had success and made good money. However, my ultimate dream was alway
DI S

DI S

42 likes

DREAM JOB❤️
My dream job!! I am praying that I do get my dream job. I’m going to make sure I work so incredibly hard to get it done. I’ve always wanted to help people, and I literally love children and want to be a mother so badly, so Pediatric Nursing is definitely a job for me! #pediatricnurse #nurse
Addy O'Neil

Addy O'Neil

74 likes

MY DREAM JOB
I would love to be a forensic psychologist or a criminal profiler! #dreamjob #unfiltered #forensics #Lemon8Diary #letschat
Kinzy Glover

Kinzy Glover

18 likes

My Dream Job If I Listen to My 💼👩🏽‍💻♥️
My dreams were big and life decisions changed. Now I’m heading forward with my dream of being a successful author and showcase my creative mind to the world. #whatilove #dreamjob #trends #LoveYourself #fyp
Charina Taylor

Charina Taylor

302 likes

Two sharks swim in deep blue ocean water, with the text overlay "The job I wanted as a child vs." and the Lemon8 logo and username at the bottom.
What was your childhood dream job?
Growing up I wanted to be a marine biologist or work at an aquarium. 🐠 Maybe I’ll still try it but right now I’m a paramedic! I work on an ambulance and respond to 911 calls. 🚑 I still love the ocean and sea life, I was lucky enough to get to cage dive with sharks this summer! 🦈 But I really lo
lela

lela

14 likes

My job if I listen to my head
#dreamjob
addie

addie

62 likes

dream job 🌸
𝒌𝒊𝒂.𝑚𝑝³ 🪽

𝒌𝒊𝒂.𝑚𝑝³ 🪽

15 likes

A graphic asking 'WHAT WAS YOUR DREAM JOB AS A CHILD?! Did you accomplish it?!' features a vintage green phone, a smiley face holding money, and a classic cream convertible car, with abstract squiggles.
Dream Job ? Accomplished ???
As a kid, I thought my dream job was being a doctor 👩‍⚕️. I mean, who doesn’t want to help people, right? But as I got older, I realized that dream wasn’t really mine—it was my parents’ vision for me. I always knew I wanted to do something that helped others, but I could never quite figure out w
Sharon Kramer

Sharon Kramer

16 likes

What is your dream job?🧐
Dream jobs! #dream #dreamlife #jobs #dreamjobs Make sure to follow for more content😘💗🫶🏾!
URFAV_BRWNSKN🫶🏾

URFAV_BRWNSKN🫶🏾

463 likes

Getting Fired From My Dream Job
A little over a year ago, I got fired from what I thought was my dream job. It was everything I had worked for—an opportunity to collaborate on a dream client, contribute to a high-profile project, and be part of a team at an agency I admired. I came in hopeful, ready to give my all, determined to
Creative Baddie

Creative Baddie

69 likes

A smiling young woman in a black graduation cap and gown with a blue stole, against a dark background. The image has a text overlay that reads "my degree Vs What I do," highlighting the contrast between her education and current work.
A flat lay of a silver laptop, a white planner titled "ONE CHAPTER AT A TIME," and a glass of coffee with foam, all resting on a light-colored upholstered surface. The text overlay reads "i'm a graphic designer and."
A woman in a gray fuzzy top lies next to a baby, whose face is covered by a daisy emoji, drinking from a bottle. The text overlay reads "I work in Childcare," illustrating her current profession.
My degree vs my job 😩
Recently I’ve been thinking so much about this so I wanted to share and see if anyone else relates to this. I did a graphic design 4.5 years degree, at the moment i thought maybe there would be good opportunities in this area and it was going to be relatively easy to get a job that pays for a de
Betty Mendoza ✨

Betty Mendoza ✨

2570 likes

My dream job 💕
I’ve been a streamer for 7 years now. Which is so crazy to think about 🥹 #girlstreamer #streamsetup #gamergirl #cosplay
SLEEPY

SLEEPY

206 likes

Dream Jobs ✨
BaddieNow

BaddieNow

13 likes

A collage depicting forensic science elements: fingerprints, crime scene documents, digital interfaces with DNA, and a glowing handprint, labeled 'my job if i listened to my head'.
A collage showing a stay-at-home mom lifestyle: a woman with children in a field, playing with a baby, baking, and reading with kids, labeled 'my job if i listened to my heart'.
A collage illustrating a librarian's role: women interacting with books on tall shelves, reading, and organizing, labeled 'my job if i listened to my soul'.
dream jobs✨💭
- I love this trend. It really shows the difference parts of me.🩷 I love all these careers for different reasons, I am just pursing the one that fits the future I want for myself.😽 I would love to somehow mix my current career with forensics hopefully in a volunteer opportunity to truly live out my
nona’s digi diary 🐆💋

nona’s digi diary 🐆💋

538 likes

A vibrant waterfront scene at dusk or dawn, featuring stacked kayaks on a dock with palm trees against a colorful sky. The overlay text asks, "WHAT'S YOUR DREAM JOB?".
What’s your Dream Job?
What’s your dream job? Mine is working on the Supreme Court as a judge! #ratingjobs #lemon8challenge #dreamjob #jobadvice #lawyerlifestyle
Mak

Mak

9 likes

Three individuals, including Dear Silas and Paul Wall, pose on a white set. Dear Silas wears a green shirt and tan headwrap, making a peace sign. Paul Wall wears a 'DROUGHT' t-shirt and ripped jeans, pointing. A woman in a black baseball jersey stands between them.
DREAM JOB!
Dear Silas X Paul Wall on set of “Get Like You” video. Steaming on all platforms #2000music #paulwall #dearsilas
Cookie

Cookie

29 likes

What’s your dream job?
I’ll go first! Mines is to bed a project manager in the business field orrrr to be a personal financial analyst. #dreamjob #whatsyourdreamjob #futurejobs #work #workexperience
Sa’Niya🩶

Sa’Niya🩶

3 likes

A woman with her eyes closed and lips pursed, holding two drinks with lime wedges, wearing a denim jacket under a trench coat. Text overlays include "How your email found me at 4pm on a Friday" and her wish to be a designer, loving fashion.
My dream job <3
<
Abigail Storz

Abigail Storz

2 likes

The job I wanted as a kid Vs.
As a child, I always dreamed of becoming a cosmopolitan—I envisioned a life full of style, success, and impact. Today, that dream is my reality. 10/10 would highly recommend chasing your passion. Entrepreneurship has its ups and downs, but this life was made for me. #ratingjobs #lemon8challenge
Miraclehandz

Miraclehandz

32 likes

My Dream Job
I use to want to be a nurse but working as a CNA made me realize I don’t want that. I want a peaceful job. #dreamjob #ultrasoundtech
Tasia🎀

Tasia🎀

38 likes

My dream jobs✍️📖📸🖼🎨👨‍🏫
#dreamwork #mydreamlife #dreamworkplace #aesthetic #workaesthetic
WolfEirkson🐺

WolfEirkson🐺

51 likes

See more