Why Dispensing Opticians Should Stop Chasing ‘The Perfect Job’ and Focus on 'The Right Job' Instead

As a dispensing optician, you’ve probably daydreamed about the perfect job.

You know the one: the role with the ideal boss, the perfect schedule, the dreamy clientele, and an office environment that feels like home.

Here’s the truth: That job doesn’t exist.

And guess what? That’s OK.

Why? Because the truth is, the key to your happiness and career satisfaction isn’t about chasing a unicorn. It’s about finding the right job—the one that aligns with your current life goals, skills, and career stage.

The best part? The "right job" can be just as fulfilling—if not more so—than that elusive “perfect” one you’ve been holding out for. So, stop wasting time looking for the fairy tale and let’s talk about how to find a job that actually pays your bills, supports your lifestyle, and helps you grow professionally.

Step 1: Understand What You Actually Want

Before you jump into the job market, stop and ask yourself what you really want. It’s easy to get lost in the idea of a "perfect" job because you haven't taken the time to clearly define your needs.

Start by creating a list of your non-negotiables. What are your must-haves for a job? This will help you zero in on what’s truly important for you—and give you clarity on where you can compromise.

Here are some key questions to ask yourself:

  • What hours do I need? If you want flexibility, are you okay with non-traditional hours (weekends or evenings)? Or do you prefer a Monday-to-Friday gig?
  • What kind of work environment suits me best? Do you thrive in a small boutique where you’re trusted with more responsibilities, or do you prefer the structure of a larger practice or chain?
  • How important is career growth? Do you want to work somewhere with clear paths for promotion, or are you looking for something that lets you coast for a while?
  • Is salary the most important factor for me right now? Maybe it’s not about making the highest paycheck possible, but finding a job that lets you maintain a balanced lifestyle, or offers benefits like health insurance or retirement plans.
  • What kind of patients do I want to work with? Do you prefer working with a specific demographic—like children, seniors, or high-net-worth clients?

The goal here is to articulate your priorities clearly so that when the right opportunity presents itself, you’ll recognize it immediately.

Step 2: Take Stock of What You Can Offer

Okay, now that you’ve thought about what you want, let’s flip the script and think about what you can offer.

A lot of dispensing opticians make the mistake of focusing solely on what they want from a job. The truth is, you also need to think about what you bring to the table.

Ask yourself: What makes me stand out as a dispensing optician?

Some examples might include:

  • Experience with high-end brands or products: Maybe you’ve worked with luxury eyewear brands or cutting-edge lenses. This expertise can make you highly attractive to high-end optical boutiques or optometry practices that want to offer premium services.
  • Patient care: Are you especially skilled at working with patients who have specific needs, like the elderly, kids, or people with complex prescriptions? Practices that deal with these patient groups are always looking for opticians who can provide extra care and attention.
  • Problem-solving: Maybe you're great at fixing things that others can’t—adjusting difficult fittings, managing challenging patients, or improving patient retention.

The more you can clearly articulate what you can offer, the easier it will be for you to find the right job. Take stock of your achievements, your unique skills, and what makes you different—then use this to your advantage in your job search.

Step 3: Look Beyond Titles and Job Descriptions

Here’s a mistake that a lot of dispensing opticians make: they get too hung up on job titles.

You’ve probably seen job postings like: "Senior Dispensing Optician," or "Optical Store Manager," and thought, “That’s the role for me!”

But here’s the thing: Titles don’t matter nearly as much as the work itself.

The job that’s right for you may not even have the title you expect. It could be a hybrid role that combines dispensing, sales, and management, or a position in a growing practice where your responsibilities will evolve over time.

Here’s an example: Let’s say you’ve found a role that doesn’t exactly match your title expectations but offers great growth potential. The job may include a learning curve in new technologies or give you exposure to managing a team. If the work interests you and aligns with your long-term goals, take it.

In fact, don’t let the job description be your only guide. Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you create yourself.

  • Reach out to practices that align with your values, even if they don’t have an advertised job. You might find a practice looking for someone with your skills but hasn’t formalised the role yet.
  • Propose a role that fits both your expertise and their needs. Maybe it’s a customer relations role combined with dispensing, or a position focused on improving patient retention and sales. Create your own job based on the market needs.

Don’t get bogged down by the job title or description. Focus on the work itself and what excites you.

Step 4: Prioritise Work-Life Balance Over Perfection

If you’re still waiting for the perfect job to come along, stop. You’re missing out on so many opportunities.

The key here is work-life balance. Don’t wait for the "perfect" job that you think will solve all your problems. Instead, focus on the jobs that let you thrive without burning out. A great work-life balance isn’t just about hours—it’s about how the role fits into your lifestyle and how it helps you recharge and grow.

Here’s why balance matters:

  • Prevent burnout: A flexible schedule, supportive work culture, and the ability to take time for yourself is key to long-term career satisfaction.
  • Health and well-being: A role that respects your personal time allows you to recharge physically and mentally, which is vital for performing at your best in both your professional and personal life.
  • Enjoy your career: Let’s face it: you don’t want to spend your entire life chasing the "perfect" job only to realize it’s draining you. Instead, focus on a job that makes sense for where you are now, so you can enjoy your day-to-day.

By shifting your mindset, you’ll start looking at job opportunities through a different lens. You’ll ask yourself, “Does this work for me?” not, “Is this perfect?”

Focus on the Right Job, Not the Perfect One

The "perfect" job is a myth. It's time to stop fantasising about it and start focusing on finding the right job for you. The right job is the one that fits your current life needs, values, and goals.

Here’s the bottom line: Don’t chase a dream job. Instead, get intentional about what you want from your career today. Once you make that shift, the job that’s waiting for you may surprise you—it could be even better than the one you’ve been waiting for.

So stop looking for the unicorn and start looking for the right fit. The sooner you do that, the sooner you’ll find a job that lets you thrive in your career—and in your life.

Take Action Now:

  • Define your non-negotiables: Get clear on what you need from your job—salary, hours, work environment, growth opportunities.
  • Assess your unique skills: Understand what makes you stand out as a dispensing optician and use that to find a job that leverages those strengths.
  • Look beyond the job titles: Explore roles that align with your goals, even if they don’t match the exact title you’re imagining.
  • Prioritise balance: Find a role that respects your time and helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Your right job is out there waiting. Let’s go find it.

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