(After years of working and toiling, I finally get my dream job. I settle in and really enjoy my work. However, despite being my dream job and carrying an awful lot of responsibility, most in my place of business consider the job to be an entry-level position. It’s something I’m painfully made aware of when there’s management changes, and I meet my new boss for the first time.)
Boss: “So, tell me about your career goals. What would you describe as your dream job?”
Me: “This. Right here. What I’m doing now.”
Boss: “Look. You don’t have to kiss up to me. You’re not going to get fired. Just tell me what you’d like to be doing in a few years.”
Me: “Well, in a few years, I’d like to still be here. This is the job I’ve always aspired to do. I’ve been doing it a few years now; I’ve gotten to know everyone in our market. I like it here quite fine!”
Boss: “I don’t think you understand this. No one dreams of doing this job.”
Me: “Well, I did, and I worked very hard to get here. Are you finding my work unsatisfactory?”
Boss: “No, no. I’ve read your file, and you go above and beyond at every opportunity.”
Me: “Then why are you trying to get rid of me?”
Boss: “Let me try another approach. Do you keep an eye on our competitors?”
Me: “Of course.”
Boss: “Out of everyone in our field, which would say does our business the best?”
Me: “Us, of course. That’s why I wanted to work here.”
Boss: “Come on. You can tell me. Out of all our competitors, isn’t there one that’s caught your eye?”
Me: “Well, if you’re pushing, I like some of the things that [Competitor] is doing.”
Boss: “YES! OK! Now we’re on to something! I want you to send an application to [Competitor]!”
Me: “What?”
Boss: “Don’t worry, [My Name]. I’m here to help everyone get out of these dead end, entry-level positions and on to their dream jobs! We’ll get you working at [Competitor] in no time!”
Me: “But…”
Boss: “No buts! We’ve determined that it’s your dream to work at [Competitor], and I’ll help you achieve that dream!”
(I still haven’t applied to our competitor, as the new boss hasn’t quite figured out his new job yet, and relies on little ol’ me, in my dead end, entry-level position, to fill him in.)