Having a job is more about getting a paycheck than about satisfaction or commitment.
The need to work and earn a paycheck is nearly universal. However, there can be a big difference between a job that does nothing more than providing that paycheck and a satisfying career that gives so much more. Let’s explore the differences between a job and a career.
What Is Your Mindset?
A key difference between a job and a career is your mindset as you approach each one. A “job” mindset looks at work as a way to make money and doesn’t look for a way to advance or develop at work. A job may be seen as temporary, just a paycheck and a way to make ends meet.
A “career” mindset, on the other hand, involves a longer-term view of work as a path to follow up the ladder, far more than just a paycheck. A career is something you may have for a lifetime, or at least for many years, and may involve several different jobs that will build up to an advanced position with experience and higher skill levels.
Also, a career is typically something that you have a passion for doing, where most people don’t have strong feelings about something they consider just a job. A career is more likely to become a part of your identity and how you see yourself than a job that is seen as just a means to pay your bills.
A career mindset is more about living out your passion at work.
Making a Plan
If you just have a job, you likely don’t have goals for your future or a plan to develop further in that job. A career, on the other hand, doesn’t typically involve staying in the same position for the rest of your life. Career-minded workers seek to improve their skills and continue to learn more so that when a better opportunity comes along, you are ready.
A career also involves a greater level of commitment than a job. An individual with career mindset wants to get the job done, and done well, even if it takes more effort or time than your paycheck may reflect right now. While it isn’t wise to work yourself to the point of exhaustion, having a career involves an element of giving your best to your work while you are there and making sure you can be proud of your accomplishments.
Investment in Yourself
Having a sense of responsibility for the work being done is another hallmark of a career focus. While boundaries are important to maintain some work-life balance, it is possible to approach work from a framework of responsibility and accountability that supervisors look for when deciding who to promote to a higher position.
When you look back on your lifetime of work as you’re nearing retirement, a career will show advancement from good jobs to even better ones and give a sense of accomplishment. A career offers significant advantages over a job, such as better salary and benefits as you advance and a sense of accomplishment over time.
PC AGE offers training in computer skills to help you build a career or advance in a current one. Request info about all our courses and programs.