She did this, and her business built so fast that she had to decide whether to remain at her secure job or go for broke as a real-estate agent whose only salary came from commissions. When she contemplated her decision, one fact surprised her - she really enjoyed helping people who wanted her assistance. A challenge her hospital job continuously handed her was the resistance from patients and families who didn't want to be sick, or face hard, painful decisions.

The draw of helping others who really wanted it was seductive. She quit and went into real estate full time. Gail loved her new job and did very well at it. Her husband, Gary, however, hated his. An accountant with 70-hour work weeks, he constantly complained.

When his company sought to restructure, Gail encouraged him to accept the early retirement option, so at 43 Gary Lohr retired. He spent a few months considering his career path, when opportunity knocked. The owners of Gail's Century 21 office approached the Lohrs to buy their business. After consideration, they bought it. Three years later, with Gary as business manager, they've tripled their net worth and built the company into the biggest one in the region.

Having your own business can often result in a substantial salary increase. But many factors contribute to making a job ideal. Gail and Gary used their natural talents - she was great with people, a good listener and enjoyed being of service. Gary was happiest handling business-operation decisions.

To move ahead you may need to get new training. Gail took the initiative to get a real-estate license, and continues to take classes on customer service and sales.

Big rewards often necessitate being a risk taker. Not every decision is easy or clear-cut and most are never guaranteed. The big risk for Gail came in deciding whether or not to leave her secure hospital job. Once she had succeeded in becoming the top salesperson, Gail could have easily remained in that position. Business ownership was again another major chance that she took, but it was a calculated decision.

Satisfaction comes when you select work that encompasses what you love to do. Gail takes great pleasure in doing her job, and often encounters grateful customers who send her a continuous flow of new clients. "Dream jobs" like Gail's and Gary's require risk, initiative, flexibility, endless hours, and a passion to be successful. But the rewards are many.

Robin Ryan is a Seattle career consultant and author of "60 Seconds and You're Hired!"