Is a Job the Same as a Career?

Sometimes the word "job" is used. Sometimes people use "career." In fact, they mean two different things.

A job is the work you do at a company for which you get paid.

"I have a job as a cashier."

"I have a job as a taxi driver."

"I have a job as a janitor."

A career means you do the same type of work over the years. A career can be one job or many jobs. A career has a goal of improving your skills so you can grow in your job, or move into another job.

"I have worked as a Home Health Aide, a Certified Nursing Assistant, and a Nurse. My career is in health care."

"I have worked as a General Construction Worker and a Roofer. Now I am a Construction Manager. My career is in construction."

What's the Difference?

Getting a job is a one-time event.

A career is a lifelong process.

To have a career, think about what type of work you want to do in the future, and what education you will need to meet your goals.

Next Steps:

• Click on the Career vs. Job Timeline to see what happened to two people with different career goals.