What is the difference between a job and a career

A job can be just going to work to earn a paycheck. A career means that each of your jobs, experiences, and training programs is helping you advance in pay or responsibility. In the end, is your work experience and education leading you somewhere? Or are you just going from job to job with no plan? Think of it this way: If life were a video game, a job would be just one level.

Your current job could affect your career in unexpected ways. For this reason, try to go beyond doing the bare minimum. A positive outlook, an eagerness to learn and consistently high-quality work can set you apart, create new opportunities and earn you recommendations for future jobs. If you aim to have a career, you can work toward meeting that long-term goal.

These strategies can help. Always aim to enhance your skills and knowledge. If you know what career path you want to pursue, figure out what expertise and experience you need to get there. Once you are aware of the requirements, seek to develop your qualifications whether through practice in your current job or formal training, online courses and education. When trying to determine which skills will benefit your career most, look to successful professionals in that industry.

Ask yourself what their strengths, talents or accomplishments are. Reach out to individuals with similar careers, and ask for their advice. If possible, seek out a mentor or two with an upper-level position or experience in your desired field. Ask if they will consider supporting and advising you professionally.

While working with a mentor, you may plan specific questions to ask or topics to discuss, like career development. Related: How to Find a Mentor. Workshops, conferences, seminars and social events can be great places to meet professionals in your field. You can expand your network to have more resources for sharing experiences, learning, gaining advice and gaining job recommendations.

Related: Become a Networking Expert in 7 Steps. Building experience in your career field, even if it is an internship, can help you advance or break into that sector. If you are currently working as an information technology consultant but desire a career in the publishing industry, for instance, you may seek educational or certification opportunities then look for internships that can help you gain editing or production experience.

Jobs and careers are interconnected, as a lifetime of jobs makes up the career you choose. Most people start at the bottom with an entry-level or low-paying job before progressing through different jobs in their industry to gain the experience needed to meet their long-term goals.

The skills and knowledge you develop in each role can contribute to success in your career. Find jobs. Company reviews. You might even consider it a form of life education. When management becomes a career, your goals are completely different. And the truth is, there are other forms of rewards that are just as rewarding as pay.

Intrinsic rewards such as seeing your team blossom under your leadership is extremely fulfilling. And, if a bigger pay check is what you are after, nurturing a career and your development in the company will help you get there faster.

Management is an all in sort of career. This is not something to take lightly. And since managers lead by example, if you want your team to be engaged, you need to be engaged as well. Of course, even in a career that you absolutely love, there will be some bad days. Things can get tough as a manager, there is no beating around that bush. It might mean difficult conversations with employees, tough feedback from your own boss, or managing conflict on your team.

When you have the mindset of career over job, these tough moments become be perceived as learnings and triggers for growth. Even on a Monday. This is a career mindset. One that sees the bigger picture of the experience rather than the negatives of the nitty-gritty. A career is an opportunity to develop. Management skills are transferable skills, and there is great value in this.

One of the most amazing things about developing as a manager is that you get to grow in two areas :. Jobs on the other hand feel more like a means to an end. When you spend time doing work that you truly enjoy, you can find enough time in a day to get things done.