WHAT IS THE Difference Between A “CAREER” and a “JOB?”

 

A JOB can be defined as a set of specific tasks carried out by a person in order to accomplish a certain goal.....Doing a JOB may or may not be satisfying

 

A CAREER is usually thought of as being much more than a JOB and thus can be a little cumbersome to define.....Most would probably connect a CAREER with an occupation that is enjoyable, provides inner satisfaction, allows for both financial and personal advancement and generally complements all of their other major life roles.  Although we are aware that one’s paid work experiences (occupations) are central to other life roles, career counselors tend to define CAREER in a broader sense or as the combination of life roles (including the worker role) that a person is engaged in, along with related activities, at any given point during his or her life.  In other words, a career counselor would describe CAREER as life rather than job planning.  Listed below are some common assumptions shared by many that may help you to get a general “feel” for what many probably mean when asked to differentiate “CAREER” and a “JOB

 

A JOB does not include a CAREER but a CAREER usually includes many JOBS

 

Many think of a JOB as a means to an end

 

Many think of a CAREER as an occupation that can lead to a lifestyle which will bring more personal fulfillment, advancement, income, flexibility, respect, purpose, etc.

 

Some think of a JOB as a paid work experience you do “just to pay the bills”

 

Some believe a CAREER is something you want to invest time and energy into as well as go to college or enter a training program for

 

Some feel a JOB is something just about anybody can get or do

 

Others would say a CAREER is an occupation that requires special skills, knowledge and experience to perform

 

A JOB, according to many, does not lead to anything or give one a sense of accomplishment or life progress

 

A CAREER, on the other hand, is often thought of by many as an occupation that reflects who you are (personal temperaments; strengths & weaknesses; skills; attitudes, etc.) and what’s most important to you in life (life and work values, interests and goals)   

 

 


Updated on 19-DEC-05
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