Finding Purpose: Why you should stop chasing your “dream job” (w/ Emily the Recruiter)

About this episode

Emily the Recruiter discusses the concept of the 'awake job' and offers career advice on finding purpose beyond the idea of a dream job.

Does your “dream job” really exist? You may know Emily Durham as Emily the Recruiter on social media, where she shares practical, refreshingly honest career advice and coaches people through the biggest professional decisions of their lives. Emily doesn’t believe in the idea of a dream job. In this episode, she joins Anne to make the case for the “awake job” that actively fits into your purpose, lifestyle, and financial needs. Emily reflects on how her own purpose has evolved over time, and answers questions from listeners about how to gracefully quit a job, find a path forward when you feel stuck, and communicate your values to a potential employer. Featured guest Follow Emily Durham on Instagram , YouTube , TikTok , and at https://emilydurham.org/ Listen to Clock In with Emily Durham Connect with the team Follow Anne on Instagram and LinkedIn   Follow Frances on Instagram and LinkedIn Watch Fixable videos on youtube.com/@TEDAudioCollective Visit Anne and Frances’ website Have a question you want Anne and Frances to solve? Email the team at fixable@ted.com or leave a voicemail at 234-349-2253 Follow TED on X , Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn , and TikTok For the full text…

People in this episode

Host: Anne

Guest: Emily Durham

Topics covered

• career advice
• finding purpose
• dream job
• professional decisions
• job quitting
• values communication

Keywords

• dream job
• career advice
• purpose
• job quitting
• professional decisions
• values
• Emily the Recruiter

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: TED

More episodes of Fixable

• Finding Purpose: How to find your purpose (w/ Master Fixer Molly Graham) · June 1, 2026 · 38 min
• The secret to making the right career decisions with Patty Stonesifer | from WorkLife with Molly Graham · May 25, 2026 · 40 min
• Unsolicited Advice: How Alex Cooper and other creators can build a psychologically safe workplace · May 18, 2026 · 32 min
• How to stop checking your email, avoid burnout, and build better stress habits (w/ Master Fixer Kelly McGonigal) · May 11, 2026 · 27 min
• How to strengthen your stress response (w/ Master Fixer Kelly McGonigal) · May 4, 2026 · 37 min
• How to prevent burnout (w/ Master Fixer Guy Winch) · April 27, 2026 · 33 min