When Your Dream Job Doesn't Exist Yet: How to Create Your Own Role

In a world driven by rapid technological advancement and evolving industries, many traditional jobs are becoming obsolete while new, unconventional roles are emerging every day. But what happens when the career you're passionate about—your dream job—doesn’t even exist yet? Should you settle for something close, wait for it to be invented, or carve your own path?

Creating your own job may sound like a risky venture, but it’s increasingly becoming the norm for many forward-thinkers. With creativity, strategy, and the right mindset, you can design a role that not only fulfills you but also provides real value to others.

Let’s explore how you can bring your dream job to life, even if it doesn't exist… yet.

1. Understand Why Your Dream Job Doesn't Exist

Before setting out to create your dream role, it’s important to understand why it doesn’t currently exist. Some reasons might include:

• The field is too new. For example, 15 years ago, roles like "Social Media Manager" or "UX Designer" were virtually unheard of.

• It’s interdisciplinary. Maybe your ideal job blends skills from multiple fields that don’t typically overlap.

• Companies haven’t yet recognized the need. Your dream role might solve a problem businesses haven't acknowledged or understood yet.

This understanding helps you not only identify gaps but also prepare your value proposition when introducing your role to others.

2. Clarify Your Vision

Creating your own role starts with crystal clarity. Ask yourself:

• What do I love doing every day?

• What problems am I passionate about solving?

• What are my top strengths and skills?

• What kind of impact do I want to have?

Write down your ideal job description. Be specific. Include the kind of work you'll do, the people you'll serve, the tools you'll use, and the outcomes you'll create.

Think of this as your “role prototype.” It doesn’t need to match existing job titles—it’s your vision, unfiltered.

3. Identify the Value You Offer

Companies and clients hire based on one thing: value. To create your dream role, you must demonstrate how it delivers results for others. Consider:

• What problems can I solve better than anyone else?

• How do my unique skills or perspectives create value?

• What trends or gaps in the industry can I address?

Use this to form your Unique Value Proposition (UVP). Your UVP should be a clear, concise statement that explains what you do, who you do it for, and why it matters.

Example:

“I help wellness brands grow by creating science-backed, empathetic content that connects with modern health-conscious consumers.”

4. Start With a Side Project or Freelance Work

If your ideal job doesn’t exist in any company yet, the best way to start is by building proof—on your own.

You can:

• Start a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel around your passion.

• Offer your services freelance to test the waters.

• Create a case study or small project that shows your value.

These projects not only refine your skills and vision but also give you a portfolio. Eventually, this body of work becomes evidence that your dream role isn't just a fantasy—it’s a viable, valuable asset.

5. Network with a Purpose

Many jobs are created not from job boards, but from conversations. Networking is a powerful way to plant the seeds for your custom role.

Start by:

• Reaching out to professionals or founders in companies you admire.

• Asking for informational interviews to understand their needs and pain points.

• Sharing your ideas or projects to get feedback and interest.

Be bold in talking about the role you're building. You might be surprised how many people say, “We need that, but we never thought to create the position.”

6. Pitch Your Role to a Company

Once you’ve validated your concept through side projects, networking, and research, it’s time to pitch your dream job to a company.

Here’s how to do it:

a. Identify the Right Company

Find organizations that align with your values and where your skills would solve a specific problem. Startups, nonprofits, or growing companies are often more open to unconventional roles.

b. Tailor Your Role to Their Needs

Customize your pitch to show how your role directly helps their mission. Use language that mirrors their goals and culture.

c. Create a Job Proposal

Instead of submitting a resume to an existing job opening, send a job proposal. This could include:

• A summary of the role you envision

• A list of responsibilities

• Outcomes you aim to achieve

• Why you're uniquely qualified

• Case studies or examples of past success

7. Be Ready to Educate and Advocate

If your role is truly unique, you’ll likely need to educate others on why it’s needed. That means helping decision-makers see the big picture.

Focus on:

• How your role aligns with company goals

• Industry trends supporting the need for your role

• ROI (return on investment) potential

This is especially critical in larger or more traditional companies that are slow to adapt. Your success depends on your ability to articulate not only what you do, but why it matters.

8. Be Flexible—And Ready to Evolve

The first iteration of your role might not be perfect. That’s okay. Creating your own job often involves compromise and iteration.

You may need to:

• Start as a consultant or part-time contractor

• Blend your dream duties with existing roles

• Prove your value before going full-time

Be open to growing and adapting. Many pioneers began with hybrid roles that slowly evolved into their ideal positions as they proved their worth.

9. Market Yourself Like a Brand

To convince others of your dream role, you’ll need to present yourself professionally and persuasively.

Think like a personal brand:

• Create a website or online portfolio

• Share your story and mission

• Use social media to showcase your expertise

• Publish content (articles, videos, or talks) about your niche

This builds credibility and visibility. People will begin to associate you with your area of expertise—even before your job title catches up.

10. Embrace the Entrepreneurial Mindset

Creating your own role is inherently entrepreneurial—even if you're doing it inside an existing company. You’re identifying a gap, proposing a solution, and executing with initiative.

Adopt an entrepreneurial mindset:

• Take ownership of outcomes

• Be proactive and persistent

• Embrace experimentation and risk

• View obstacles as learning opportunities

Even if you face rejection or slow progress, these experiences will shape you into a stronger, more versatile professional.

Real-Life Examples of Creating a Dream Job

1. Marie Forleo – Multipassionate Entrepreneur

Marie didn’t fit into a traditional job mold. She combined interests in business, coaching, marketing, and spirituality into a thriving career teaching others how to build purposeful lives and businesses.

2. Adam Grant – Organizational Psychologist at Wharton

Grant helped shape a role where he could blend academic research with practical speaking, writing, and advising on workplace psychology—something not previously defined.

3. YouTubers and Content Creators

Millions of people have built entire careers around their passions—be it gaming, finance, makeup, or storytelling—long before platforms had monetization options.

When your dream job doesn’t exist, you’re faced with a powerful choice: settle for something safe, or be bold enough to invent your own path.

The process isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. You’ll gain not just a job, but a meaningful career aligned with your passions, values, and strengths.

Creating your own role requires vision, persistence, and the courage to defy convention. But remember: every dream job that exists today once didn’t. Someone made it real. Why not you?