Reese Witherspoon says 'don't chase your dreams'-do this instead

"The 49-year-old, who has a $400 million-plus net worth, shared the advice in an Instagram reel this week: "I just got off the phone with a young woman who is looking for career advice," she says in the clip, which has since racked up over 482,000 likes and thousands of comments. "She wants to switch from one job to another," Witherspoon says, adding that the woman is currently unhappy at work."

"When Witherspoon questioned her about what she was actually good at, the woman drew a blank. "She had a hard time telling me what her specific talents were." This, to Witherspoon, is the key. Gallup data shows that roughly 60% of employees feel emotionally detached at work, while fewer than one in four strongly believe their job aligns with their strengths."

"Gallup data shows that roughly 60% of employees feel emotionally detached at work, while fewer than one in four strongly believe their job aligns with their strengths. "You don't chase your dreams-you chase your talents," Witherspoon explains. "Everybody has dreams. It doesn't mean you're gonna be that thing. You are supposed to do what you're talented at." This advice should speak to a generation increasingly moving away from the idea of a dream job altogether, and instead prioritizing work-life balance over climbing the career ladder."

Advice: chase talents, not dreams. A young professional seeking career change struggled to identify specific talents despite dissatisfaction at work. Average workers change roles every three to four years. Gallup finds roughly 60% of employees feel emotionally detached at work, and fewer than one in four strongly believe their job aligns with their strengths. The recommendation is to focus career decisions on demonstrated abilities and strengths rather than idealized aspirations. A growing generation favors work-life balance over pursuing a singular dream job or relentless ladder-climbing. Identifying specific talents can guide job transitions and increase alignment and engagement.

Read at Fast Company