When we think about work and making a living for ourselves, we lose focus on what it gives our life in exchange for monetary gain. By doing something because it pays, and not because we truly believe and enjoy it, is the greatest source of resentment. While not everyone has the privilege to work in a job that they love, it’s more within our reach than we can ever imagine.

If you find yourself yearning for a different field of work or want to explore the possibility of working in a job that’s centered around your passions, you’ve come to the right place. Here are ways to establish a plan to align your profession with your dreams.

Decide On What Truly Makes You Happy
If you’re unhappy with your current profession, it means that it cannot offer what you’re seeking. When deciding on what you want to do, reflect on what your values are. For instance, if money was not an issue, what would you do with your time? Here are some important factors to consider when deciding what to do for your well-being.

Your Past
The first place to start is your past experience. What did you like and dislike about your past or current employment? What would you like to change about it? Your preferences can be implemented to mold what you look for in your new career.

Work Environment
Is your ideal work environment competitive or collaborative? Do you prefer to go to an office, travel, or work from home? Would you prefer to work on your own schedule, make your own business hours, and be your own boss?

Your Strengths
While we believe that skills are learned traits, there are some abilities that may come easier to you than others. Use your strengths to your advantage! Are you a people person, or do you demonstrate more productivity when you’re alone? Do you have a knack for organization, or have a strong sense of creativity?

No one knows you better than you, so it’s time to model your dream job after what you do best. Look into what prospective jobs you have that align with your strengths, as well as your interests.

Set Priorities, Not Excuses
When you’re in a job that’ far from what you dreamed about, it’s easy to accept it as a steady stream of income that pays your bills and provides you with financial stability. Leaving your current job becomes a risk to financial stability, and it’s understandable, especially when you can easily think of excuses why you shouldn’t pursue your dream. Unfortunately, it may lead to more frustration or unhappiness in your current job.

Instead of focusing on the reasons why you have to remain in an unfulfilling job, you can make excuses as to why you should start establishing your dream career. Pinpoint what obstacles are keeping you from going after your passion; for each problem, there’s a solution.

Build Credentials in Your Desired Field
Robert Bergman, the founder of I Love Growing Marijuana (ILGM), didn’t become successful overnight. Before he launched his blog in 2012, Robert gained two decades worth of experience, growing his business from a home-based setup to industrial-sized plantations and labs. The fun-loving company thrived not just from hard work, but doing what it loves, and it shows.

You, too, can gain leverage in your dream job by putting your pre-existing experience and knowledge to the test. Find out what kind of licenses or education you’ll need to reach your goal. If possible, you can keep your main job while investing your time and energy into your dreams part-time. That way, you’ll gain momentum without sacrificing too much financial stability.

Be Patient and Stay Humble
We’re going to be honest: chasing your dreams is going to be far from easy (but not impossible). The beginning is the most difficult part; it requires you to sacrifice your time and money, all with the uncertainty on whether it’ll work or not. Much of it will go towards initial fees for courses, investments, and other expenses that come with a new business venture.

You’ll also feel like you’re starting from scratch. While you’ll have to cut corners and it may feel like you’re starting from zero, you have to avoid the criticisms you’ll face, and the temptations to fall back into old ways. It also means that you won’t be able to follow the same lifestyle that you’re used to when you accommodate a new career into your new life.

Be Realistic About Your Goals
Working in a job you enjoy doesn’t guarantee that you’ll love each and every day 100% of the time. It isn’t enough to follow your passion. If you don’t want your journey to end prematurely, you also have to place value in your expertise and dedication to your passion.

Following Your Passion
At the end of the day, it’s ideal to “do what you love,” but doing it with precaution and a plan in hand is the best approach. Start small and allow yourself a foundation to stand on so that if you fail, it’s without devastating consequences to your life. You can pick yourself up, learn from the failure, and move on to try new things and new approaches.