Employees share over-hyped dream jobs that sound glamorous until you actually do them: 'I'm 44, a little late to start a new career... but here I am'

When we were kids, dreaming about our future careers was like picking from a magical world of endless possibilities. You could be a veterinarian, a movie star, a singer, an astronaut, a dolphin trainer, or whatever your little heart desired. But then, adulthood arrived alongside a grim reality check. Maybe the years of school and six-figure debt made you wake up from that dream of becoming a doctor real quick. And being a filmmaker sounded artsy and cool, until you realized the 80-hour work weeks and constant rejection weren't exactly the vibe you were hoping for.

Now we're out here scheduling spreadsheet audits at 2 p.m. and updating printer toner in beige cubicles. Welcome to the land of insurance adjusters, data entry clerks, and corporate compliance specialists. How did we get here?

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You could argue it’s never too late to pivot toward your childhood dream. But before you book that dramatic career change, hear from people who did land their dream jobs—chef, video game tester, graphic designer—and found out the hard way that it’s not always greener on the other side.
Maybe the answer isn’t chasing a better job. Maybe it’s just… decentering work from our entire identity. Now that’s a dream worth having.
"What's a job that is so hyped up but in reality, it's absolutely trash?"

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No one's gonna mention being a teacher? Okay, well these teachers might help:
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