Because I have been spending my free time working on scholarship essays in hopes to start grad. school in April...
The Core Differences Between A Job and a Career
Most people in the United States are challenged by the demand and expectation to make significant decisions about their personal future by the average age of eighteen. This challenge is often influenced by school guidance counselors, educators, and the primary family standards. These conversations are not only crucial to the process of an individual refining their life goals but also to a person landing themselves in a career verses a job. In some cases, a premature “push” into the workforce may result in a destructive pattern as a person may settle into a daily rhythm that does not challenge or inspire them. On the other end of the spectrum, early exposure to work opportunities may result in a well-equipped worker who is heavily interested and invested in their role(s).
An article from CNBC reports that 40% of USA employees experience burnout and fatigue in the workplace. The three main contributors to this reality are lack of career growth opportunities, a feeling of not being valued or appreciated, and overloaded schedules; both in the workplace and in their personal lives. I would suggest that these findings result in whether a person finds themselves in a job verse a career.
Jobs require that an individual be content with “punching the time clock” with the promise of compensation for their completed tasks and time. There is not an expectation for the employee to be a contributor beyond the specified job description and assigned workload. Jobs are convenient and sometimes appropriate for the individual who is invested in various other values outside of the workforce. Examples of these values may include college students who are prioritizing education, those who are primary caretakers of children and / or of elderly family members, and those who do not necessarily work to provide income but rather because they desire the socialization that comes with a work experience. That is not to say that everyone in these realities are not equipped for careers or do not find themselves in a career. However, I would infer that it would be the exception and not the rule. Jobs are necessary as they provide the opportunity for people in certain stages of life to have access to an income while weaving in practical demands on their limited time, energy, and outside values.
Careers are unique as there is such a range in what is considered to be a career. Every “job” has the potential of becoming a career. There are two contributors to a “job” transitioning into a “career”. The first is determinized by the individual. A career minded person does not calculate their role in terms of a clock but rather in terms of influence and opportunity. These types of people are always asking forward moving questions and are highly resourceful. They take ownership and are motivated by the impact they are having in an organization. Though they may value the social aspect of the workplace they are also highly invested in a shared vision and purpose of the organization. Their inner drive will naturally lead them to areas of personal and vocational growth opportunities.
The second contributor to “Jobs” becoming “careers” are those in position of influence. These people are usually identified as managers, supervisors, and consultants. A person of influence has direct and significant impact on an employee. Jobs require that those in position of influence simply keep a well-oiled machine running. They take responsibility for the completion of tasks and live the state of “what needs to be done today”. There is low risk and little growth that accompanies basic maintenance. With these types of priorities, it would make sense that the employees would follow suit. Minimal invested leadership yields minimal invested employees which reduces the potential of a job transitioning into a career.
A career minded person of influence has a different approach to their role. They tend to be managers, supervisors, and consultants that embrace challenge and identify the potential in themselves, their employees, and the organization. These types of people ask questions not only about the day to day tasks but are continuously in a forward-thinking rhythm. They resource their team appropriately and welcome them as owners in a process. Due to their abilities to inspire and equip others there is movement from and employee being a “worker” to becoming an “investor”. It is essential for a person of influence to identify employee burnout, value, and workload. With a healthy awareness of these factors the organization as a whole has the opportunity to address and adjust accordingly. When this type of leadership is present there is opportunity for jobs to become careers.
Therefore, I would argue that the core differences between a job and a career is personal drive and investment as well as exposure to leadership styles. One is a personal disposition while the other is an outside force that has direct impact on career opportunity or in some cases lack thereof. Both jobs and careers hold value and are necessary for the economy and society. Jobs resource people and accomplish the practical day to day needs of our culture. They allow access to basic skills, experience, and tasks while providing revenue for an establishment and its employees. In addition, for the need for jobs, careers are momentous as they welcome innovated people and engage in the forward movement of society and opportunities. A career is an owned role by an employee rather than a borrowed job description. In a career the individual becomes connected to their work and is mindful of their impact; the footprint they leave.
In conclusion, I would encourage those who feel “stuck” or “burned out” in a job or career to consider the following questions. 1. What is your purpose for working? 2. What are you hoping to gain or contribute to your work experience? 3. Do you feel challenged and resourced effectively? 4. Are you comfortable in the day to day tasks or are you desiring a forward moving experience? The reality is that there is not a right or wrong response. However, it is crucial that the person answering the questions listen to their desires and needs so they may take steps towards which is appropriate for them personally.
Sources