Job vs. Career
The difference between a job and a career is something people struggle to understand for most of their lives. Whether they are 18 and just leaving school or 40 years old and already have experience in the industry, some people struggle to know the difference. Is your current employment a job or a career? The words “job” and “career” are often interchangeably used, so if you’re not sure what the difference is, continue reading. I will delve in and explain the difference between a job and a career as well as give examples and advice.
What is a Job?
A job is something you do to earn money. It’s a short-term work experience that you do while on the hunt for your actual career. As far as a job goes, it typically has a minimal impact on future CV’s as well as job applications. For example, a job is something that will put easy cash in your pocket, such as waitressing or bartending. As a waitress, you work for tips and walk out of the restaurant with money in hand. Jobs don’t typically help you meet people that you can network and make connections with for future work. When you have a job, you don’t expect to have any drastic career advancement, and the work is usually uninteresting and unrelated to your long-term career. Once you go out and get a career, it is highly unlikely that you will be doing anything from your job again. The plus side of a job is that it shows your work ethic, improves your time management and communication. Jobs consist of hourly wages and often focus on completing a specific task. Does this sound familiar? Everyone has most likely had one of these at some point in their life.
What is a Career?
A career is a series of connected employment opportunities that help you build up skills to help you move towards your future opportunities. Careers give you experiences that will (hopefully) help you earn a pay raise and earn a more prestigious position. One of the main differences between a job and a career is that in a career, you are more than likely going to be doing the same things five years later but with a raise and more difficulty. These days, most people try to go into a career or industry that interests them. A career uses your talents and abilities to reach your biggest goals, and more times than not, it takes a lot of work to even get into your dream career. You have to either complete internships or coursework or even be at an entry-level position for a long time. Building a successful career is something you will spend the majority of your life doing until you retire. Typically, your career will begin in your late 20’s and go on until you’re in your 60’s.
Advice about Jobs
At any typical job, your goal is typically to complete specific tasks promptly, for an hourly wage. Your boss is someone who gives you assignments, and then you do your best to get on their best side. This work is probably going to be a short-term job for you, so I suggest working hard but not breaking your back in the process. Show an initiative, but don’t kill yourself over it. In a job, you can be easily replaced and they WILL find someone else once you leave. Use your job as an opportunity to work on skills that might benefit you down the line. Work on your time management and people skills. Be a hard worker and learn to respect and work with your peers and management. By acquiring these skills you will stand out to future employers and they will be beneficial to your career. For example, most careers are turning out to be more collaborative than ever before, so by working on your teamwork and people skills, you will be a much better asset than someone who doesn’t work well with others. I would use a job as a stepping stone and a teaching moment for yourself to become a better career prospect.
Advice about Careers
In a career, you should focus on developing skills, creating connections, and working on putting yourself in positions for future career advancements. Make sure to fight hard to get what you want, but also be willing to go above and beyond. Try to find new opportunities to get involved and make a difference; don’t wait for them to come to you. Take the initiative; don’t expect to be told to do something. The biggest thing with a career is that it’s all in your hands. You can choose to work hard and stand out, or you can blend in with the crowd and watch promotions pass you by. Always be learning and bettering yourself inside and outside of the office.
Even though you should work hard and go the extra mile, you shouldn’t make work your entire life. Staying late can be beneficial at times but it can also cause burnout and exhaustion. You have to be able to balance your work and personal life, don’t forget that.
