Can we help?



Career vs Job


Career vs Job, do you know what is the different?


Let us look at the each dictionary definition.


What is Career?


Webster: "General course of action or conduct in life, or in a particular part or calling in life, or in some special undertaking.

Hieftje: "Something you would do for nothing but for which, amazingly, somebody pays you."

Web: (1) A life-work chosen by a person to use personal talent, provide some service or goods, earn money, and contribute to society

(2) A profession or occupation that one trains for and pursues as a life work.


What is Job?


Webster: A piece of chance or occasional work; any definite work undertaken in gross for a fixed price; as, he did the job for a thousand dollars."

Hieftje: An employment position tolerated principally for financial gain but otherwise largely unrewarding or unsatisfying.

Web: Occupation: the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money.


What are the Distinctions – Job vs. Career?


• A job's main function is to provide income
• A career's main function is to provide satisfaction

• A job keeps you from enjoying life
• A career makes life enjoyable

• A job offers stability
• A career offers flexibility

• A job is "safe"
• A career encourages risk-taking


The Job/Career Continuum


Job Career
Responsive Career
Routine Flexibility
Low Risk Risk
Stability Opportunity

After reading and understanding the above, my next question to you will be

Is a "Career" for you?


  • Is everything you tried interesting in your course of work ?
  • Do you prefer routine or variety?
  • Do you feel more comfortable being directed by others or directing yourself?
  • Do you find yourself thinking about your research away from work? Do you resent it?
  • Are you willing to take responsibility for your own mistakes?
  • How important is salary to you in a job choice?


Of course, most of us started out as job seekers but some may have started out as career seekers. The difference between these two paths is that the former will be moving from jobs to jobs whilst the latter will stay and find his/her way to contribute and learn as much so as to excel in the employed organization. Career rewards are always more significant than job rewards in terms of monetary, position and promotion with the organization. We believe career seekers ultimate rewards are also satisfaction.

For job seekers, do not worry if you have not found your career path. We believe everyone of us has our own timing when it comes to searching for a career path. Once you found there is a job that you're happy and satisfied with, I believe a job will turn into a career path. Importantly is to know the difference and be aware of your current path.

After reading the above message and you think you want to explore what is your career path and how to get there, you are welcome to contact MyPath to assist you. We will schedule a session with you and guide you to find out your career path. We are giving you a free 1 hour session, so do call us NOW. Be in a job or A CAREER, you have the choice.


Source of information was contributed by Dr Gary M. Hieftje, Indiana University