January 15, 2016
by Staff Writer
Does it matter whether you have a job or a career? While the terms “job” and “career” are often used to mean the same thing, they really are conceptually different.
Let’s start by finding the meaning of job and career.
Job — the work that a person does regularly in order to earn money.
Career — an occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training with opportunities for progress.
A job has minimal impact on your future work life while a career provides experience and learning to fuel your future.
A career gives you greater independence and options. Typically, it takes skills, experience, and education to attain a career, and having a career means you are a professional that brings a series of benefits:
- higher salary
- higher income typically than a job
- paid vacation
- schedule flexibility
- advancement
- autonomy
Remember, people work jobs because they do not have the education needed to enter careers, yet, jobs can certainly turn into careers, regardless of type of employment. However, most careers start with an education. Careers are about building on experience and advancing your job skills and knowledge. You can apply for a job, but you can not apply for a career. A job is given to you; a career is made by you.