Many people have a job they would consider a dream job, but they never go for it.  And if they do, they wonder how hard they should pursue it.  There can be more than one way to get your dream job. Sometimes you need to take a job just to get in the door. Are you willing to take a gamble on yourself? Take a lower job so you can show them how good you are. Or, know specifically what you are going after and find out what you need to do.  Most hard things take time. You have to invest in yourself to figure out where you need to improve and work on it. Stick with it. And be willing to take a risk. It won't fall in your lap. You have to be willing to take a risk. People underestimate what they can achieve. Too often, I hear people reference their background, education, parents, the city they live in, or a number of other reasons they can't pursue their dream job. None of that matters. Don't sell yourself short. You can accomplish it if you set your mind to it and become deliberate. Focus on what you want and figure out how you can get it. It may take you a year or it may take five years. You have to be relentless. Get up every morning and go for it. Be relentless. Wear people down until you get what you are after. As you pursue your dream job, don't let up on your standards for the current job you have. You are a professional. People are counting on you. Yes, go after your dream. But never let your performance slip when you are being paid to do a job.