Discussing Long-Term Vision and Ideal Role
The conversation shifts to broader, more abstract career aspirations, such as an ideal industry, desired work-life balance, or the kind of impact they wish to make. Peers might fantasize about their 'dream job' or long-term career trajectory without immediate constraints.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
fantasize
To fantasize means to imagine something exciting or unrealistic, often as a way to escape from reality. In the dialogue, Sarah uses it to talk about dreaming about her ideal job. You can say, 'I fantasize about traveling the world.'
stuck
Feeling stuck means being unable to progress or move forward in a situation, like in your job or life. Michael says he feels stuck when thinking about his career. It's common to say, 'I'm feeling stuck in my current role.'
envision
To envision means to imagine or picture something in your mind as a future possibility. Sarah envisions a job in sustainable design. Use it for future goals: 'I envision myself running my own business.'
tangible
Tangible means something real and concrete that you can see or touch, not abstract. Sarah wants tangible impact from her work. For example, 'I need tangible results, not just promises.'
non-negotiable
Non-negotiable means something that cannot be changed or discussed; it's a must. Sarah says good work-life balance is non-negotiable. Say, 'My salary is non-negotiable in this offer.'
fulfilling
Fulfilling means giving a sense of satisfaction and achievement. Michael says Sarah's job sounds fulfilling. Use it for rewarding experiences: 'Teaching is a fulfilling career.'
draws you in
Draws you in means attracts or interests you strongly. Michael asks if the environmental aspect draws Sarah in. It's like, 'What draws you in about this city?'
eco-friendly
Eco-friendly means good for the environment and not harmful to it. Sarah wants to design eco-friendly public spaces. Common in discussions about sustainability: 'I buy eco-friendly products.'
big leap
A big leap means a major change or risk, like jumping to a new level. Sarah calls changing careers a big leap. Say, 'Moving abroad is a big leap for me.'
long-term vision
Long-term vision means a clear plan or idea for the future over many years. Michael praises Sarah's long-term vision. Useful for career talks: 'What's your long-term vision for your career?'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
You know, sometimes I fantasize about my dream job.
This sentence starts a casual conversation about aspirations. 'You know' is a filler to make talk informal. 'Fantasize about' expresses imagining ideals. Useful for sharing dreams with friends: it invites response and shows vulnerability.
Tell me about it!
This is an enthusiastic way to ask for more details, meaning 'I want to hear more!' It's idiomatic and shows interest. Use it in informal chats to encourage someone to elaborate on their story.
What does your ideal role look like?
This question asks for a description of someone's perfect job. 'Look like' means 'what is it like.' Great for career discussions; it uses present tense to describe a hypothetical future.
I envision something in sustainable design or urban planning.
Here, 'envision' is used with 'something' to describe a future idea. It's a professional way to talk about goals. The structure 'I + verb + something in [field]' is useful for stating career interests.
A good work-life balance is non-negotiable.
This emphasizes a firm requirement using 'is + adjective + noun' structure. 'Non-negotiable' adds strength. Use this in job interviews or talks to state priorities clearly without room for debate.
That sounds very fulfilling.
'That sounds' expresses an opinion about something described. 'Fulfilling' means satisfying. This is a supportive response in conversations; it shows empathy and positivity toward someone's goals.
That's the dream.
This phrase means 'that's my ultimate goal or fantasy.' It's casual and emphatic, often ending a description. Use it to wrap up talking about ideals, like after describing your perfect life.
How do you see yourself getting there?
This asks about the path to achieve a goal. 'See yourself + verb-ing' imagines future actions. Useful in motivational talks; it focuses on practical steps toward long-term visions.
It feels like a big leap, but it's exciting to think about.
This contrasts challenges ('feels like a big leap') with positives ('exciting to think about') using 'but.' It shows balanced emotions. Good for discussing career changes; helps express mixed feelings.
It's great you have such a clear long-term vision.
This compliments someone using 'It's + adjective + that/you + clause.' It encourages by praising clarity. Use in peer conversations to build rapport and motivate about future plans.