As part of the pre-work for the unstoppable course I was asked to describe my ideal job. I started the assignment like I would any other. The problem when I finished is that I described my ideal job compared to my previous jobs. I was not thinking outside of my experience and about what I would really want. So… here is try #2 (probably really 3).

My ideal job would exhibit the following characteristics:

1. Code
2. Teach
3. Collaborating with great people
4. Be comfortable at work
5. Flexible schedule
6. Constant learning
7. Feedback and transparency
8. Access to latest technologies
9. Fair compensation, great benefits
10. Profit sharing

Code
I love to code… I have always enjoyed solving problems in code. There is nothing more frustrating than being stuck on a problem for days but the most satisfying moment comes when you have the breakthrough that helps solve that issue.

Teach
Who knew an introverted, hates public speaking kid would love presenting technical material to really anyone who wants to hear what he has to say. From the first time I was forced to teach to the many times volunteering to take on class after class to finally becoming a full-time instructor, the more I present the more excited I am.

Collaborating with great people
I have worked with some great teams over the years. I consider myself lucky to have been a part of such great teams over the years and always want to find a team I can truly contribute to and be a part of.

Be comfortable at work
Give me Jeans! I understand dressing nicely and being polished in front of customers but if there are no customers and you really want me to focus, being comfortable helps that process along.

Flexible schedule
We all have personal lives and they constantly get in the way of work. 🙂 j/k
Seriously, there are times when you need a day off, a half day off or just an hour for something. It is nice to be able to do what you have to and then focus back on work.

Constant learning
I am a life long learner. I love to learn things and I am always open to diving into a new topic more and more as time allows. I find that I have too many interests and not enough time.

Feedback and transparency
Who doesn’t like to know where they stand and how the company is doing.

Access to latest technologies
Being in the technology space I quite enjoy being at the forefront and being able to try new tech as it is happening and share that with customers, colleagues, etc.

Fair compensation, great benefits
Knowing you are being fairly paid and the company has great benefits is always appealing. It provides a level of security that your family is going to be taken care of.

Profit sharing
Any company that believes in rewarding employees for a really great year by providing them a cut of the profits sounds spectacular. Why not share the wealth of the company with those that work for the company.

Overall, I want to work somewhere where it doesn’t feel like work. The more it feels natural and the more I really can’t tell where work ends and life starts is fine by me. I don’t want to be buried in my work to where my family doesn’t see me or know me but they should see its importance in my life, the joy it brings me without being a burden. I should be able to share it with family and friends, not have it rule when I can see them, or take me away from them.

My ideal job probably isn’t far off. I have been seeking it for some time and really believe it can be achieved and that I hope to spend a good part of my career achieving everything I have listed. At times I have a few of these to most of these but having everything all at once would be special.