chase a/(one's) dream

To pursue some goal, endeavor, or activity about which one has a deep, passionate ambition. I feel like I've been chasing a dream for years now, so to have my first novel published is a surreal feeling. I gave up pretty cushy job as an IT specialist to chase my dream of being a professional singer. My parents wish I would just pick a stable career and start being an adult, but I need to chase my dream of becoming an actress.