Are careers and jobs the same?

We have all had a J-O-B but have we all had a career? Many of us wonder what the difference is between the two. The most common belief is that we have to have a college degree to have a career. Surprisingly, there are more variables involved in deciphering a job from a career. 

COMPENSATION

When we look for a job, the compensation we care most about is the pay rate. We look at hourly vs. salary, full-time vs. part-time, and permanent vs. short-term positions. The goal is to get the most bang for the buck. We want to get paid the most with minimal work. 

Contrary, with our career, our compensation is about moving up the ladder and advancing in opportunities. When we are career-focused, we will take a lower-paying job if we know that eventually, it will lead to a higher-paying job. We are excited to be paid in knowledge and experience because we know it will benefit our career journey. 

FUTURE

When it comes to a job, we are focused on the here and now. The future is a far-off problem that we will deal with when we get there. Our job is about paying the bills and taking care of our family in the present. The job gives us a sense of purpose daily and puts us on the path of adulting. 

Our career is all about the future. Everything we do and learn is about fueling our future. Every step is geared towards short-term goals that, once added up, leads to a long-term goal. Careers are about the passions that will take us to the future where we make a difference in the world. 

NETWORKING

Jobs and careers both entail networking and new opportunities. 

However, jobs have minimal networking and are focused on opportunities to get us what we need now. Once we are content in a position, we stay there; we may move up if the compensation is proper and worth the amount of work needed. While networking is limitless when it comes to our careers. Since we are constantly trying to move to the next level, we never stop networking and looking for the next opportunity. 

AMBITION

In every job, there is a job description. When we are focused on keeping our job, we do the minimum of what needs to be done to keep the job. We do what is asked of us and maintain our daily workflow. Going above and beyond is what we do when we are career-oriented. We take the job description for our career and add to it. We think about ways to improve the work/workflow, we look for restrictions and limitations to discuss with our supervisor, and we find ways to put our mark on it to make a difference in the world.