Debbie Leben
Founder and CEO, DL Coaching & Career Successes Academy
Have you ever had that nagging feeling that you’re meant for more — that your career should feel fulfilling, energizing, and aligned with who you really are? You’re not alone. Many professionals reach a point where success on paper doesn’t feel like success in life. That’s the moment your deeper purpose is calling you to step into your dream career — one powered by your unique “why.”
But how do you discover that why? And once you’ve found it, how do you turn it into a career you love and get paid for it?
It Starts with the Why
Your “why” is your personal mission — the inner driver that gives your life meaning and makes your work feel significant. Simon Sinek says, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” The same is true for your career. Until you connect your work to something that matters to you, it will always feel like just a job.
The Truth About Dream Careers
Dream careers aren’t reserved for a lucky few. They’re created by people who are brave enough to do the inner work, take intentional action, and pursue alignment over approval. If you’re ready to take that leap, here are four key action steps to build momentum toward your dream career — by discovering your why and purpose.
Step 1: Clarify Your Dream — Make Sure It’s Yours
Take a moment to ask: Whose dream am I chasing? Too often, we inherit career expectations from others — parents, teachers, society — without pausing to reflect on what we truly want. Your dream career is rooted in your own voice, values, and vision.
Try this:
Write down what excites you, what frustrates you, and what you’d do if money weren’t an issue. Patterns will emerge — and your personal dream will start to reveal itself.
Step 2: Discover Your Why — The Fuel for the Journey
Your “why” is what drives you through the highs and lows of your career path. It’s tied to your values, life experiences, and the impact you want to make.
Try this:
Ask yourself, What breaks my heart? What lights me up? What problem do I feel called to solve? These are clues pointing toward your purpose.
Step 3: Build a Bridge — Connect Passion to a Path
A dream without a plan stays a wish. Once you’re clear on your purpose, the next step is to create a path forward. Start small and stay consistent.
Step 4: Monetize the Mission — Make Impact and Income
A dream career doesn’t just fulfill you — it sustains you. You deserve to be paid for the value you bring. Whether you’re starting a business, launching a new career, or building a personal brand, there are countless ways to align profit with purpose.
Try this:
Ask, How can I solve a real problem using my gifts and experience? Your value in the marketplace is directly tied to the problems you can solve and the people you serve.
Personal Story: The Shift from Job to Dream Career
When I worked as a Crime Laboratory Director, I loved the work I was doing, but I noticed something unsettling. Many people I met were not in their ideal career and were simply going through the motions — working for the paycheck and not because they felt aligned with their deeper purpose. I loved my career in forensic science and with this in mind, this ignited my passion for coaching — helping people find careers that speak to their passions, strengths, and calling.
The steps I share with you today aren’t just theories — they’re the principles that helped me find alignment in my career. You can turn your passion into a career that brings fulfillment and success.
Final Thoughts
Your dream career isn’t a fantasy — it’s a calling waiting to be answered. The key is to stop looking outward and start digging inward. When you discover your why, align it with your actions, and take intentional steps forward, momentum builds. And before you know it, you’re not just working a job — you’re living your purpose. Want more guidance on this journey? Join our free 4-week webinar:
Put Your Dreams to the Test: Discover Your Why & Monetize It into Your Dream Career — where we walk you through each of these steps in depth. Your dream is possible. Let’s bring it to life — together.