You’ve heard both words and used them often yourself in everyday life, but do you know that they mean different things? While jobs and careers both enable us to earn enough money to support ourselves and our families, they do not mean the same thing. Whether you have a job or a career, it’s perfectly okay!
There are many differences between the two definitions. A job can sometimes lead to a career, but it doesn’t have to. And a career can sometimes be put on hold in order to take a job. Here, we outline what differentiates the two enterprises and advice on pursuing one or the other.
What is a job?
A job is work you perform to earn money to support your basic needs. It can be full-time or part-time and may be short-term. You might need to learn certain skills connected with that role, but not all jobs require a specialized degree or advanced training.
Companies expect their employees to perform their individual jobs in exchange for regular payment and to be responsible for the duties laid to them.
What is a career?
The main purpose behind having or pursuing a career is normally based on more in oneself. This could mean turning a passion into a business, going after personal goals, working for a company that you believe in or working for one that is chasing after something you care about.
You may require a certain level of education or training to achieve these goals. Individuals pursuing careers often have set salaries with benefits such as medical entitlement, annual leaves, statutory contributions and bonuses. They also gain benefits beyond monetary value such as personal pride, work satisfaction and self-worth.
A career may last for your entire life. You could hold numerous jobs under many different employers in your chosen industry that you progress through your career.
How to turn a job into a career
If your aim is to have a career, you can work towards that long-term goal. These strategies can help.
- Continue Learning and Developing
Always aim to enhance your skills and knowledge. If you know which career path you wish to pursue, figure out what expertise and experience you need to get there. Once you are aware of the requirements, seek to develop your qualifications whether through practice in your current job or through formal training. Starting off in a contact centre environment is the perfect setting to enhance your interpersonal & communication skills and how you deal with people in difficult situation. - Get a Mentor
If possible, seek out a mentor or two with an upper-level position or experience in your desired field. Ask if they will consider supporting and advising you professionally. While working with a mentor, ask yourself what their strengths, talents or accomplishments are. You may plan specific questions to ask or topics to discuss, like career development. Consider your mentor’s path and whether a similar one could work for you. - Expand your network
Workshops, conferences, seminars and social events can be great places to meet professionals in your field. You can expand your network to have more resources for sharing experiences, learning, gaining advice and job recommendations.
Job and careers are interconnected, as a lifetime of job makes up the career you choose. Most people start at the bottom with entry-level or low-paying job before progressing through to gain the experience needed to meet their long-term goals.
Three critical skillsets needed to start with will be interpersonal skills, communication skills and people management. The skills and knowledge you develop from communication skills will contribute immense success in your career path.
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