What is the Difference Between a Job and Career? (Career vs Job)

By Reid - December 2, 2021

Career vs Job

While jobs and careers have many similarities, they are very different concepts (my first job was picking rocks and digging out weeds at my family farm back in Minnesota).

The earlier you determine the difference between the two, the easier it will be to make the transition if you choose. This article will discuss the difference between a job and a career and how to transition between them.

Every employee/worker matters - whether you have a part-time minimum wage delivery job down at the local pizza joint or have climbed up the corporate ladder through the years to a comfy executive position.

We all have to start somewhere, and while many are happy working their current jobs, many others are looking to grow that position into a long-lasting career.

What is a Job?

A job is a specific role you hold for a certain period, usually in exchange for payment of some sort. Jobs can be part-time or full-time and vary in duties, responsibilities, and working conditions.

Generally speaking, a job involves performing specific tasks or duties in exchange for compensation, such as a salary, hourly wage, or commission.

What is a Career?

A career is something you actively work towards that defines your entire working future. This is a long-term path in which you will likely hold numerous jobs for different employers within your chosen industry.

For example, someone with a career in education might work as a teacher, principal, or educational researcher throughout their career. A career usually requires specialized training or education and may involve working your way up through different levels of responsibility.

What is the difference between a job and a career? (Job vs Career)

The main difference between a job and a career is that a job is a specific position you hold for a certain timeframe. In contrast, a career is work you do over a more extended period, usually to advance and build skills in a particular field.

In summary, a career is a long-term pursuit, while a job is a specific position you hold during that period.

Related:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a Job Become a Career?

Yes, a job can become a career. When you take on a job, you develop a clear understanding of your skills, strengths, and interests. This can build into a career path that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

A job can evolve into a fulfilling and meaningful career with time, dedication, effort, and continuous learning.

How Do You Turn a Job into a Career?

Start By Develop Skills: Always build your skills and knowledge around the career path you are targeting. Once you figure out the top requirements for those positions (You can easily do this by reviewing different job descriptions on LinkedIn or Indeed), find a course or mentor to help develop those skills.

Network, Network, Network: While networking might not be at the top of anybody’s list of fun things to do, networking at conferences, seminars, or even online is a great way to meet like-minded professionals who can share valuable information. Often, they can even provide job recommendations.

Take on an Internship: While it doesn’t always seem to make sense, many entry-level careers require a certain amount of experience from applicants. One way you can do this is through internships in your career field. These internships often turn into full-time offers from the organization.

What is some career vs. job examples?

Teacher: A teacher may have a career in education, which involves working in various teaching roles over several years. Each individual teaching position they hold (such as a first-grade teacher or a high school math teacher) could be considered a job.
Accountant: An accountant may have a career in finance, which involves working in various accounting roles over several years. Each individual accounting position that they hold (such as an auditor or a tax preparer) could be considered a job.
Sales: A salesperson may have a career in sales, which involves working in various sales roles over several years. Each sales position they hold (such as a sales representative or a sales manager) could be considered a job.

“The median number of years that employees have worked for their current employer is currently 4.1 years, according to an Economic News Release from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.”

Wrapping Up | Job Vs. Career

Working a job is an excellent opportunity for many, but finding/building a career is a life-changing experience that fills you with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that you can’t typically find anywhere else.

Many people are happy/satisfied with their jobs, which is great! If that’s you and it makes you happy - keep on keepin' on!

However, we recommend finding a career you are passionate about and can work towards for the rest of your life. Plan your next job search with a sense of purpose, knowing you’re on the way to a fulfilling future.

If you have any questions about the differences between the two or your career in general - please feel free to reach out to us. Best of luck in your job (or career)!

Title: What is the Difference Between a Job and a Career? (Job vs. Career)

Category: Career Resources

Tags: job vs career, difference between job and a career, can a job become a career, how do you turn a job into a career, why does a career sound better than a job, career vs job

Co-Author: Becky is a contributor for theJub. She’s a writing and talent acquisition specialist who loves to apply her skills through creative writing and editing.