CAREER vs. JOBS
Having multiple careers is an ever increasing trend. The average person may have two, three or even five careers during their lifetime, but even more extensive array of jobs. In the world of work, the terms “job,” “occupation” and “career” are often used interchangeably. However, there are some major differences that need to be clarified.
Definitions of job and career
A job is defined as anything a person is expected or obliged to do; a piece of work, especially a specific activity done as part of the routine of one's occupation or for an agreed price. Through a job a person can earn to support their basic needs and family or friends.
A career is a chosen pursuit; a profession or occupation. The general course or progression of one's working life or one's professional achievements.
Comparison chart
Career | Job | |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | A career is the pursuit of a lifelong ambition or the general course of progression towards lifelong goals. | Job is an activity through which an individual can earn money. It is a regular activity in exchange of payment. |
| Requirements | Usually requires special learning that includes individualized components that develop abilities beyond that which training is capable of. | Education or Special training may or may not be required |
| Risk taking | A career may not mean stability of work as it encourages one to take risks. The risks are often internal and therefore planned. | A job is “safe”, as stability of work and income is there. However shifting priorities, especially in resource jobs, can abruptly change the demand and require relocation which is an unstable factor. Risks may be completely external. |
| Time | Long term | Short term |
| Income | Varies depending on value to society or to some other entity. Non-monetary benefits may be higher. Salary is more common. | Varies by demand. More likely to be wage. |
| Contribution to society | May have high value as social change/progress may be possible. | May actually have a negative impact when counter productive social practices are continued in the name of protecting jobs. |
Jobs can be looked at within the context of a larger career. A career is a collection of “jigsaw job pieces” that when put together form a completed puzzle. A random assortment of unrelated jobs do not constitute a career. You apply to a job, but not an occupation or career. An employer gives you a job, but it is up to you to take your occupation and design your career. You don’t build a job or occupation; you build a career. A career requires taking more initiative than a job, and it means you want more than just a paycheck. Your earning potential is often higher in a career than merely a job. People who have careers view them as a pursuit of ambition and the progressive realization of goals.
A career always starts with a job first, then it becomes a process that builds over time. A career is often something that interests you and more fully uses your abilities and talents to reach your aspirations. Considered one’s lifework, a career is a path that affords you a way to earn money with opportunities for advancement for the long-haul. Having a satisfying career involves innovation, risk-taking, courage, persistence and most importantly patience. It takes energy and effort.
A career change can be a long and time consuming process. It may take more time than you initially expect. It means a significant shift in the major tasks performed, type of setting and nature of content. A career change requires some transitional steps such as additional schooling or coursework, internships, volunteer experience, consulting, part-time work or a lower level job within the new environment. Frequently, a loss of salary is involved. Only you can decide whether the sacrifices are worth the ultimate gain. Often, they are.
Your success in a career will be measured by your willingness to embrace challenges and change with a view toward finding solutions to problems. Developing a host of transferable skills will enhance your marketability and enable you to take advantage of and enjoy new and varied opportunities. Your satisfaction will be impacted by how closely the many roles you assume match your values, interests, personality traits and skills.
Your task is to establish your own meaning for work and fit it in with the realities of the external demands placed on you. Deciding whether you want a job or career can sometimes depend on where you are in the life cycle. You may want to have career in your 30s, 40s and 50s, but early or later in life, you may want to opt for a job. How you view work and the connection to life determines whether you have a job or have a career. Where you go in life is up to you.
