Careers Vs. Jobs: The Path to Personal Fulfillment

Are you a college graduate, a millennial, a military veteran looking to transition back to civilian life, or a seasoned professional unsatisfied with your current employment situation? If so, then the “job” versus “career” question is one you should consider, because the differences between the two can be crucial to your overall satisfaction.

During your life, you’ll spend a lot of time at work. Make it count by choosing a career in which you can grow and about which you are passionate.

What’s the Difference, Anyway?

Essentially, a “job” is a series of tasks that a person commits to doing regularly in order to earn an agreed upon wage.

A “career”, on the other hand, is the pursuit of desired goals and achievements over a period of time. A career is composed of a series of consecutive jobs that involve progressive, growth-related moves.

In short, a job is simply about making a living, but a career is about making a life.

people who focus on what they do best at work – i.e., their strengths – are six times more likely to be engaged in their jobs and three times more likely to report having an excellent quality of life in general.

When companies are looking to recruit the best talent, they often ask questions designed to uncover whether or not you, as a job seeker, are serious about the prospective role – whether that role fits into your long-term career p

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While you need to use the interview to convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the job, you also need to take some time during the job hunt to figure out whether or not that company would be a great fit for you and your longer-term career goals.

Therefore, it is essential for you to also ask the interviewer the right questions, such as: How would you describe your company culture? What is the future growth trajectory for the company? Does your company offer opportunities for professional development?

The answers to these questions can tell you whether or not the company is truly a good fit for you and your career.

7 Ways to Build a Great Career

By drawing upon my more than 18 years of talent management experience, I’ve crafted a list of seven important actions you can take to help you build and navigate a successful career.

1. Work Hard and Maintain a Positive Attitude
2. Be a Utility Player
3. Always Aim Higher
4. Build a Professional Network and a Strong Personal Brand
5. Choose a Prospective Employer Wisely
6. Company Culture Matters 
7. Set Achievable Goals and Measure Your Progress