Everybody wants to find the perfect job that incorporates everything they love at the right salary. How great would it be to get paid to have fun? Unfortunately, we all know the world doesn’t exactly work like that. Many find themselves working in a completely different field than they studied in college or dreamed of as a kid. This isn’t wrong, and you aren’t failing at life.

The truth of the matter is, we have bills to pay. Taking a step away from your dream is, in some ways, being a mature member of society. We can’t sit and wait for our dreams to be handed to us on a silver platter. We have to chase them, which means we have to find a way to survive in the meantime. There is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to working a job you aren’t in love with. You’ll get there, just be consistent.

Building up your credibility as an employee is one of the most valuable assets you can have in searching for your dream job. Find a nugget of passion in your part-time gig and embrace the employee that your boss needs! When you build up a reputation of having a good work ethic, learning fast, being punctual and consistent in your work, you have a much better chance of breaking into the industry you’re aiming for. These qualities are universal attributes. Craft yourself into a hire-able person so your future jobs know not only that you’re interested in the job, but that they need to consider you!

It is also not wrong to pursue your dreams at a cost. If you’re passionate about something, study it! Learn, even if you have no idea how you will make any money with your knowledge. My master’s degree is not something that I know that I need for a specific job, but it is something that I want in my life to enrich my mind. It makes me a better employee because I am challenged with deadlines, with critical thinking and with approaching culture, all things that employers want to see in their applicants.

It is possible to live your dreams and not be in debt for the rest of your life. You just have to come to terms with what you're willing to sacrifice for those dreams. Maybe you have to give up the big paycheck in order to keep your schedule flexible for your passions. Maybe you have to move to a new city to take the right opportunity. Whatever your circumstances, dreams are worth living for, especially when they play out a little differently than you imagine. Then they become your teachers and life is way bigger.

My biggest advice: Prepare for what’s ahead of you even if you have no clue what that is. Don’t sell yourself short. Know what you’re worth and know where you need to learn. Experience goes a long way in our world. There is a lot to be said about people who spend years in school or working their way up the ladder. It is not a sign of weakness, but of patience and fortitude.