In an extensive survey conducted in February 2026 by Persol Career Corporation, which operates the job change service doda, around 5,000 working adults aged 22 to 59 were asked about their perceptions of a 'dream job' or 'ten-shoku' in Japanese. The survey provides valuable insights into what individuals deem essential when evaluating their careers and the conditions they believe constitute their ideal job.
Key Findings
Approximately
41.2% of respondents feel they have encountered their dream job at some point in their careers. This suggests that while many individuals believe they have found meaningful work, a significant segment of the workforce remains uncertain about their career paths.
When asked to define what a dream job means,
26.9% of participants emphasized the importance of job satisfaction, focusing on work they want to continue doing. Others mentioned self-identity alignment (21.1%) and a comprehensive fit regarding conditions like pay and work-life balance (18.1%). The variations in interpretation can largely depend on personal experiences and values.
Interestingly, job role categories reveal trends in how people perceive their dream job. Creative roles often rank their preferences around passion and skill ('like it' or 'good at it'), while those in technical or financial professions prioritize the application of their strengths and abilities.
The Top Five Conditions for a Dream Job
1.
Passion/Interest:
43.7% of respondents indicated that having genuine interest in their work is crucial.
2.
Utilizing Strengths:
39.5% opined that leveraging personal skills is vital.
3.
Low Stress: This was a significant factor mentioned by many participants.
4.
Satisfactory Income: Earning an agreeable salary was essential for many.
5.
Good Relationships: Positive interpersonal dynamics in the workplace also surfaced as a key component.
This shows that a dream job isn't solely identified by personal enjoyment or skills but is also heavily influenced by workplace conditions and overall career environment.
Career Role Perspectives
While roles across various sectors spotlight similar factors, unique preferences emerge within professions. For instance, the technical IT and financial sectors place higher importance on utilizing one's strengths, while service or creative fields accentuate stress management and interpersonal dynamics.
Survey Methodology
This study, entitled 'Ten-shoku-related Survey,' utilized an internet-based approach conducted between February 4 and February 10, with 5,154 qualified responses from male and female full-time employees. The report combines personal perspectives drawn from significant sample data, giving a comprehensive overview of workplace sentiments regarding job satisfaction.
For further information regarding the survey, refer to the detailed report entitled, 'What is a Dream Job? Definition, Conditions, and How to Find One based on Data from 5,000 Participants.'
About doda and Persol Career Corporation
doda aims to create a positive working day for individuals looking to transition careers. Through various platforms, including job fairs and recruitment services, doda connects job seekers with potential employers. Furthermore, Persol Career Corporation emphasizes empowering individuals in their work lives by offering extensive recruitment and transition tools to foster meaningful employment experiences. Visit
doda's website and
Persol Career's site for more information.