Do you have a job or do you have a career?

Which one of these pertains to you?

I have been hearing people using career and job interchangeable and wonder if they are the same. I decided therefore to do some research to understand what they really mean. I am happy to share with you what I found. Base on my findings you then can judge whether you have a job or a career.

Here are some interesting definitions I found:

 “A task or activity performed by a person, as a part of regular employment to earn money is known as Job. The person who performs the job is known as an employee and the person for whom the job is performed is known as an employer.”

 “Career is defined as the occupation endeavored by a person, for an important period of his life. It is the series of jobs that a person has done all over his life. It is the long-term goal of an individual’s life. A career is not confined to a job only, but it is a course of life, in which a person employs his knowledge, skills, education, competencies. Career is not just making money to earn bread and butter, but it is something bigger. It’s what a person loves to do, it is what a person interested in, it is what a person is passionate about, it is what that keeps a man working without getting distracted, it is something for which a person can take any kind of risk, it is what a person wants to see himself as, in the future”. Difference between job and career. Retrieved from https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-job-and-career.html

“The key difference between a job and a career is engagement. When you're involved in an occupation you love, you're engaged and challenged on a daily basis. When you love your job, and consequently look at it as long-term endeavor, it becomes your career.” The Key Difference Between a Job and a Career. Retrieved fromhttps://keydifferences.com/difference-between-job-and-career.html.

“A person usually holds several jobs in their career. It is usually easier to change jobs in the same field of work that define ones career. However, switching careers is more difficult and may require the person to start at the bottom of the ladder in the new career.” Career vs. Job. Retrieved from https://www.diffen.com/difference/Career_vs_Job

“While one can work very hard at a job and even be paid well to work a job, a career takes much more motivation and forward-thinking effort than a job. Due to this, people usually care more about a career than they do about a job. They see personal goals as a part of their career and it is often more a part of who they are when they are not working than a typical job. Careers are often vocations, such as teaching”

“Whether a job or career is the right fit for you will depend on your stage of life. Jobs can help people start careers in many ways – experience, knowledge, learning about what they like and dislike. Eventually though, striving for a career is a very positive step because it means you want more out of the work you do than a paycheck. You want to develop your talents, really enjoy what you do, and care about how you spend your time each day. In addition, your earning potential is much higher in a career than in a job in most cases." Mattoon. L Job vs. Career: The Difference between a Job and a Career. Retrieved fromhttps://www.job-interview-site.com/job-vs-career-the-difference-between-a-job-and-a-career.html

The table below from jobsearchbible sum up the differences

Conclusion

I am sure by now you are clear on whether you have a job or a career. You may have several jobs that comes with different titles as well in your career. “One basic difference between job and career is that job is what you are doing at present, but career is what you have done so far and what you are going to do next”. Is it possible to have more than one career? What about a doctor becoming a musician, a lawyer becoming an account or a pilot becoming an actor? Are they changing careers or changing jobs” and by the way what is the difference between a Profession and a Career? Hmmm that might be just another research I might be carrying out soon so what out for my findings!

References:

https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-job-and-career.html

http://www.careerprofiles.info/difference-between-job-and-career.html

https://www.diffen.com/difference/Career_vs_Job

https://www.in.gov/ilea/files/The_Difference_Between_a_Job_and_a_Career_4-11-2013.pdf

https://www.job-interview-site.com/job-vs-career-the-difference-between-a-job-and-a-career.html

http://www.jobsearchbible.com/job-vs-career/

WHY JOIN A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION?

Regardless of what industry you may be in, there is likely to be a plethora of associations devoted to broadening the knowledge base of members and expediting growth within the industries. An affiliation with these professional associations is an option worth exploring. From being a graduate student to a young professional, I have experienced how professional associations can spark career advancement. It was an easy path to increase knowledge, expand networking possibilities and kick-start job hunt.

Education and Information

It is common practice for professional associations to offer their members unlimited opportunities to broaden their knowledge in the industry. This is typically done through seminars, conferences and workshops. Again, it is imperative to stay up-to-date on issues and trends that affect your career path whether you are presently employed, engaged in job search or a student pursing studies in a desired field. It is a mark of professional associations to offer a wealth of information that will keep you connected to current developments trends in your field. This is done through the circulation of quarterly, if not monthly newsletters to provide access new and emerging trends and research findings. Job hunters can gain essential information will be useful during interviewing. It is also good way to glean more about what it is like to work in the industry. Student members may also find beneficial information about grants and scholarship opportunities posted in association newsletters.

Networking                                                      

Another paramount benefit of a professional association is the prolific networking opportunities provided. Associations provide unparalleled networking opportunities, allowing members to connect with other people in their industry. Professional associations give members relative access to people in their industry: peers, to mentors, to industry leaders. Professional associations by their very nature are inclined to fostering a sense of community by creating and sustaining a platform to share perspectives and discuss topical issues within industry.

For instance, professional association’s annual conferences offer members the privilege of to engaging and networking with the largest gathering of people in their industry. This is especially useful when job hunting.

Employment

As stated earlier, increase in knowledge base, access to contemporary industry information and networking opens doors to job seekers, particularly jobs that are not publicized. Also, it is a common practice for associations to be privy to job openings, inform and arrange selected members for consideration. Usually, their websites have a special page devoted to employment opportunities for members only. This is a great way to find targeted job postings for your area of interest.

More importantly, membership of a professional association is an excellent supplement to your resume. It conveys to a prospective employer that you are involved and committed to your career. Citing professional association membership on your resume indicates a desire to learn and demonstrate dedication to your professional goals. Additionally, many associations have free career resources available to members, such effective resumes and cover letters, job searching strategies and negotiating techniques.

Article Source: https://www.jobberman.com.gh