Sometimes, we use “Career” and “Job” interchangeably. But are they really the same? To plan your professional goals, you must first choose if you are seeking for a job or a career. This article will explain their definitions, the distinction between a job and a career, how one might lead to the other, and how to transition from a job to a career.

The key distinction between a career and a job is engagement. A job is something you do for quick money, but a career is a long-term endeavor that you work towards every day. But here are deeper definitions;

What is a Job?

Case-in-point: You got a job at the local bike shop at sixteen. Then you’re off to college and pay your bills by working part-time waiting tables, doing customer service, or even teaching. You graduate and get an internship to boost the experience, perhaps. You follow protocols, get paid at an agreed time, and so on. 

Simply, A job is something you do to earn money to meet your essential needs. It might be full-time or part-time, and it can be temporary. It could be a salary with benefits, an hourly wage, or a fixed income. Sometimes, you may need to study specific skills related to that profession, but not all jobs require a specialist degree or advanced training.

What is a Career?

A Career is a long-term professional journey that you might choose based on your interests. It is the road you take to achieve your professional goals and desires. These objectives may necessitate a certain amount of education or skill. Individuals pursuing careers frequently have fixed incomes that include benefits such as stock options, retirement plans, pensions, and bonuses. They also obtain non-monetary rewards such as personal pride, job fulfillment, and self-worth.

Back to the case-in-point. You’ve graduated and built a certain degree of experience for three years. In that time, you worked for various organizations and determined your longer-term goal. Something worth building on. Let’s say you studied business and concluded you want to dedicate the rest of your life to helping people with their taxes and insurance. And begin to build our insurance company brick by brick. This is a vivid example of a career.

It is no surprise that many people confuse having jobs with careers and vice versa. Not everyone has the luxury to pursue a career. How can one dream of building from scratch without being paid enough to supply immediate needs? Or how many are willing to make the sacrifice and for how long?

When you work in an occupation that you enjoy, you are engaged and challenged daily. In a lot of cases, when you enjoy your job and regard it as a long-term activity, it gradually becomes your career. 

Now you know the difference between the two, it is easier to decipher the path you’re on and determine the route you’d love to take. 

5 Ways to Transition From Job to Career

Don’t misunderstand it: having a job is OK under some circumstances. We’ve all had employment at some point in our lives, and sometimes that’s all we can get. These jobs give you the experience you need to advance in your profession and build a career. Don’t be concerned if you now realize you only have a job; instead, take measures toward establishing a career.

Here are some tips to get you started;

1. Learn Consciously;

Every job teaches you lessons that you can use for future ones. You will have access to a wide range of skills, knowledge, and experiences. For example, perhaps your previous career in customer service taught you how to handle unpleasant situations with grace. You may have learned good communication and situation management skills while working as a receptionist. Other positions could help you improve your writing abilities, teach you how to deal with rejection, or teach you the value of tolerance and hard effort. Whatever the case, make it a duty to learn, and don’t forget to identify your goals and passion.

2. Get a mentor;

Seek out a mentor or two who have a higher-level position or experience in your desired profession if at all possible. Look to successful individuals in that area to evaluate which talents will benefit your career the most. Consider their abilities, skills, and accomplishments. Reach out to others in comparable professions and solicit their advice. Inquire if they will consider professionally assisting and advising you. This brings the next point.

3. Apply For an Internship; 

With a mentor, perhaps. Find a way to work with them. These professionals are busy; they have put in work to get to the point you reference them for motivation. It would be difficult to get them to tutor you one-on-one in many cases. So offer them a service. Research, find out how you can provide value, and see how easier it is to learn on the job. And in other cases, apply for an internship in your dream place of work or the best place to learn the ethics and nitty-gritty of your future career. 

4. Identify your long-term goals;

Determine the route you want to take and determine what skills and experience you’ll need to get there. Once you’ve identified the needs, look for ways to improve your skills, whether through on-the-job training or formal training, online courses, and education. Look to successful individuals in that area to evaluate which talents will benefit your career the most. Consider their abilities, talents, and accomplishments. Reach out to others in comparable professions and solicit their advice.

5. Expand Your Network;

Attending workshops, conferences, seminars, and social gatherings are excellent places to network with people in your career. It is essential to broaden your network to obtain access to more resources for sharing experiences, learning, seeking advice, and receiving career referrals.

So, do you have a job or a career? Do you understand the main differences between them? Are you happy with your job, or do you want something more? We hope that this article has helped answer the majority of these questions.