Difference Between Job and Career

While both a job and a career involve getting up and going to work in the morning, there is a huge difference in the mindset of a person holding a job and the mindset of a person with a career. The differences don’t necessarily come from salary or benefits. They might not even come from the difficulty of the work. The major difference between a job and a career comes from how you look at your work and how much you like doing your work.

An Example
Job ‘“ Many high school and college students get part-time jobs at department stores such as Macy’s. For the majority of these workers, their time at Macy’s is only a job. They will work there for a couple of years to pay for school or a car and then quit. They generally do their work well, but punch out time is best time of the day. These students all hold a job.
Career ‘“ Conversely, the same high school student may start out part-time at Macy’s because she is interested in fashion and marketing. In addition to her work there, she enrolls in an arts college and pursues a degree in fashion. She puts in more hours at the store, moves up the managerial ladder, and uses her work experience as part of her thesis project. When she is done with school she stays with Macy’s but as a buyer, rather as floor sales. For this girl, her job at Macy’s is the first step in her career.

Major Concerns
Job ‘“ Someone with a job is concerned about getting a steady paycheck. He will do those things required to keep receiving that paycheck: show up on time, complete all his tasks satisfactorily, and get along with his co-workers and boss.
Career ‘“ Someone on a career track wants to learn more about his career and network with his colleagues to create further opportunities. He is willing to take risks to further himself. He is more concerned with job satisfaction and pay is secondary.

Future Outlook
Job ‘“ People with a job may plan to hold it for a fixed amount of time or indefinitely. A job is a means to earn money either for schooling, family, travel, etc. Once the need for that income is eliminated, most people are more than happy to quit their job. They may later take up a new job in a similar or different field.
Career ‘“ People view their career as a life-long endeavor. While they might not plan to be at the same company, they hope to do the same type of work until they retire. Many career people continue with their career as a consultant or advisor after they officially retire.

Summary:
1.A job and a career both involve going to work.
2.The mindset of a job holder is focused on security and money while the mindset of a career person is focused on innovation and risk-taking.
3.Most people see their job as a means to an end while most people see their career as an end in itself.

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