【2016 Archives】

Follow your dreams.

That's nice advice016 Archivesall, but you've got bills to pay and tons of other responsibilities. So when another online contest pops up asking you to create an online video for a chance to earn big money and do something fantastic (become a "bacon intern" or "chief taco officer") it's easy to pass over.

But this one seems different. Instead of a prescribed "dream" opportunity to travel the world, taste the wines of Croatia, or live smartphone-free, you get to set the terms of your dream. Outdoor clothing brand Prana opened the "The Day Job to Dream Job" contest this week, offering $100,000 for the next year to do whatever you want. You don't have to post about hotels, eat bacon in every state, or push tacos -- unless you want to, of course.

You'll have to quit your job if you're selected, but you get paid $25,000 per quarter so you should be set. Unlike most brand promos, you can do what you want with the funds as long as you provide updates about your new life and how you're reaching for your dream career.

What makes this contest stand out from most others is that it's veryopen-ended -- anything could secure you the funding if you're deemed bold, passionate, and original enough. So show how you want to be a butcher, traveling poet, meteorologist, or clothing designer. The sky's the limit and it doesn't have to be connected to the brand offering the reward money.

Submit a 1- to 3-minute video about your current job and what you'd rather be doing and wait for the judges to review your goals. It's daunting, but also refreshing in this age of online contests with forced messaging built into the submission process.

The contest runs through Sept. 16. You've got dreams to pursue.

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