{"id":24840,"date":"2024-05-17T15:02:15","date_gmt":"2024-05-17T05:02:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/?p=24840"},"modified":"2024-06-25T11:42:08","modified_gmt":"2024-06-25T01:42:08","slug":"job-vs-career-whats-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/job-vs-career-whats-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Job vs Career: What\u2019s the Difference (And Does it Matter?)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Choosing what you want to do when you leave school can feel daunting, especially when there are so many different careers and job roles to choose from! But when it comes to career exploration there\u2019s one important factor that\u2019s often overlooked: the difference between a job vs a career.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Having all the right information about your career options can make the decision easier, but careful career planning and research as opposed to job-chasing could really level-up your career game.<\/p>\n

Sounds good? In this guide, we\u2019ll give you the run-down of everything you need to know about jobs vs careers, the main differences between the two, and tips you can use to propel your own career.<\/p>\n

Job vs career definition<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While jobs and careers are often used interchangeably, there is one big difference between the two: your investment and progression in the role. A job describes one singular position of employment, while a career paints a picture of your broader goals and experiences.<\/p>\n

What is a career?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Careers usually span your whole working life! They relate to one particular industry you have chosen to progress in, such as Finance or Healthcare. As defined in the Cambridge dictionary<\/a>, a career is \u201cthe job or series of jobs that you do during your working life\u201d.<\/p>\n

Your career is a culmination of your overall experiences, training and education rather than just one particular role you have worked in. Essentially, if you\u2019re building on your skills and progress in your chosen industry you are building your career!<\/p>\n

\"Student<\/p>\n

What is a job?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Jobs can be part-time or full-time and describe one particular role. They are what help forge your career long term! An example of a job could be \u2018high school maths teacher\u2019 while the career could be \u2018teaching\u2019 which covers the teacher\u2019s journey.<\/p>\n

Main differences between a job vs a career<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hours<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Jobs can be defined by specific set hours \u2013 and even paid hourly too \u2013 while a career is usually based on an annual salary and doesn\u2019t necessarily end when the working day is done because it reflects your overall journey.<\/p>\n

Progression<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Jobs tend to leave you in the same place from start to end, while careers will involve some serious upskilling and professional growth! For example, during the course of your career you could find yourself starting out as a graduate account after uni and end your career in a CEO role!<\/p>\n

Mindset<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Are you actively looking for ways to improve your skills? Or are you putting in the effort for that promotion? A career is viewed as something long term which you can progress and grow in, unlike a job which you may not see yourself developing in.<\/p>\n

Using Jobs To Launch Your Career<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Landing a career-style role right off the bat is pretty unlikely, but you can definitely <\/em>use temporary jobs to launch your career. By pursuing entry-level jobs that teach you transferrable skills in similar industries, you can set yourself up for the career you really want!<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s say you\u2019re dreaming of a chic career in fashion design. What\u2019s going to be more helpful, a job in hospitality or a retail assistant role with your favourite clothing brand? By opting for the former, the skills you learn won\u2019t be as transferrable to your dream career, whereas in a retail role, you\u2019ll get a strong grasp of styling and what designs are popular in-store!<\/p>\n

Conversely, if you\u2019re wanting a culinary career in Gordan Ramsay\u2019s Hell\u2019s kitchen, retail might not be your go-to. Try chasing a waiter or dishwasher job at your favourite local cafe instead; you\u2019ll get some valuable kitchen experience to use later on!<\/p>\n

\"Female<\/strong>Tips for career planning<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While the working world might feel worlds away, having a plan for your career (no matter how loose) can help you put your best foot forward!<\/p>\n

Here are some things to consider when planning your career journey:<\/p>\n

1. What do you enjoy?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Thinking about your future career should get your excited! So pick something that you can see yourself enjoying. After all, a career is a long-term plan and there\u2019s no point picking something at random that you have no interest in.<\/p>\n

If you find this tricky, it can be helpful to start with what you definitely DON\u2019T like. Hate maths? Then maybe a creative career could be more up your street! Why not write a list of what you enjoy and make links to possible career pathways.<\/p>\n

2. How do you want to work?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Does the idea of an office job make you want to run for the hills? Do you really want to travel with work? The way<\/em> you want to work can vary greatly from career to career!<\/p>\n

Or maybe you want to work straight out of school instead of going to university. This is important to consider as different career pathways may require different qualifications and levels of education.<\/p>\n

3. What are your long-term goals?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Try and think about where you\u2019d like to be in five or ten years\u2019 time and trace that back to what the starting point looks like. Remember what we said about finding roles with transferrable skills?<\/p>\n

Pros of Pursuing a Career Over a Job<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When you\u2019re starting out in your career journey, it can be tempting to take the first opportunity that comes your way. However, being intentional with which industries you invest your time into can help you cultivate a greater sense of job satisfaction and end up in the career of your dreams!<\/p>\n

In reality, we spend a pretty hefty portion of our lives working and, so, we want to make sure we\u2019re doing something we love. Choosing a career means choosing your passion, the opportunity of meaningful professional progression and a lifetime of fun! In short, it\u2019s very much worth it.<\/p>\n

Launch your career with Explore Careers<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Whether you\u2019re wondering what industry might suit you best or you\u2019re choosing subjects in high school<\/a>, building your career is a long-term plan that starts while you\u2019re still in school!<\/p>\n

Not sure what career is right for you? Take the Australian careers quiz<\/a> to find out!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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