You’ve been a salesperson, complaint solver, or corporate number cruncher for years. But this isn’t your dream job. The difference between a dream job and any other job is the difference between caffeination and decaffeination. A job either energizes or de-energizes you. A decaffeinated job gets on your ‘last nerve’ before lunch. A caffeinated job is a 12-hour energized, exciting adventure. Your caffeinated job may be photography, writing, or some other passion.

What’s a dreamer to do with a decaffeinated job?

Soothe your nerves until closing. And don’t let your dream cough, sputter, and die.

But know this. You’re not alone. According to a Gallup Poll, 70 percent of Americans hate their jobs. Many are dreamers like you. And are still seeking their dream.

This is depressing. Right? For some, it may be. Don’t get depressed. There are positives in most circumstances—even in working a less exciting job.

But how did you get here?

The same way many of us do. The need for money sometimes takes precedence over dreams.

When you need money, you get a J-O-B. You don’t prefer it. But you do it! A J-O-B is a means to an end. It’s all about the cash!

But listen. There’s no shame. We all do what we have to do. Money pays the bills. Stay positive. The dream that puts a pep in your step will come later. You will make it happen as I did.

Married for two years before graduating from college, I wanted to stay in Alabama. And the decision to live within the family center of Birmingham limited the job pool and options. Living in Birmingham, staying close to my family, and accepting a less exciting job were my decisions.

Sometimes family comes before dreams.

But now I am doing my dream. I’m writing and blogging.

The thoroughfare to your dreams is up ahead. Your current job may be a side street. We’ll call it an off-road adventure. Use this adventure to help you get back on the thoroughfare. Be creative. Set incremental, measurable goals for the skillsets of your dream job.

Dedicated dreamers are never a part of the grumbling 70 percent. We use what we got to get what we want.

What makes you rise and shine in the morning? Your dream awakes and awaits you!

Make it happen!

What steps (as small as they may seem) will you take today?