How Do You Define Your Dream Job?

The past few weeks I've been talking with a number of job seekers in south-east Iowa and west-central Illinois. Many of the individuals I spoke with are gearing up for their first job search for a professional position. When asked what position they were looking for, several of them began their response to that question with, "Well my dream job is. . ."

After the first few responses, I began wondering how individuals decide what her or his dream job. What factors were these young individuals considering as they figure out what a dream job is? More specifically, how did they decide what their dream job is and what are they doing to achieve that dream?

I was quite disappointed that very few of them could answer what factors contributed to their decision as to what their dream job was. How on earth can a person know what they want as a dream job and set goals to achieve it if they do not even know how they decided what it is they want as a profession?

With all of that said, how many of you are currently working in your dream job? For those fortunate enough to be in their dream position, what lead you the career choice? What steps did you take to move that job from the dream column to you reality column?

I look forward to your responses! Thank you in advance!