Is your First Job your Dream Job?

When you are on the verge of finishing school or university, many ask you, “Who do you want to become when you grow up?, or “What is your dream job?” Sometimes these questions are asked when you’re in primary school. These are difficult questions to answer. When you don’t answer them, people frown. People may think that you are lazy or not ambitious. Remember that you don’t have to have a clear-cut dream job right away. It is purely societal pressure that makes you feel that you will have to have your life figured out by the ripe age of 22-25 years. 

There is no one perfect job waiting for each person. You may come across people who might have figured out their career at a very young age. It doesn’t mean that you’ve to figure it out too. A career is not just a way to earn money. It should provide job satisfaction, happiness, a ready-to-work mentality, and diverse opportunities. Your first job usually lets you learn the basics of the working world. You learn how to communicate, meet deadlines, and be accountable for certain tasks. You can discover what your strengths and weaknesses are. You can meet new people and make connections inside and outside your field. Most of all, your first job gives you financial freedom and takes hold of your financial status. 

You can learn new skills. You understand how to manage your time, learn how to work as a team, and solve problems. It can increase your work experience. You have the freedom to start out in a job that may be irrelevant to your degree or field then change to your preferred field after the first internship. For example, someone who started in the retail business can become a digital marketer, a graduate who started out as an administrator can later work in Human Resources. You can move on to a new job when there are no more opportunities, when your values don’t align with the company’s, and when you don’t feel happy in your job anymore.

You can find new job opportunities at CareerFirst.lk offered by private companies, government ministries, and international organisations. To read similar articles, visit the blog section of the website.  

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does my first job have to be my dream job?
No. Your first job is often a stepping stone to gain skills, experience, and confidence. It doesn’t have to define your entire career path.

2. Why do people expect me to have a dream job by my early 20s?
This pressure often comes from societal expectations, family traditions, and social media comparisons. In reality, career goals can take time to discover and refine.

3. What is the main purpose of a first job?
A first job helps you learn workplace basics like communication, meeting deadlines, teamwork, problem-solving and gives you financial independence.

4. Is it okay if my first job is not related to my degree?
Yes. Many professionals start in roles outside their field of study and later transition to jobs that match their passion or qualifications.

5. Can I change careers after my first job?
Absolutely. Skills you gain in any role, such as time management or leadership, are transferable and can help you switch to a different field later