Having a career means you have education, experience, and jobs in one field or career cluster. Not having a career means most of your jobs are in completely different areas. It also can mean you are not advancing in pay or responsibility as you move from job to job.
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?
The real difference between a job and a career is your attitude.
Think of it this way: If life were a video game, a job would be just one level. Having a career means that you are committed to playing the game to get better over time and advance to higher levels.
Think of your career journey as moving along a path or climbing a ladder. Each step of the ladder could be a job that gives you valuable experiences.
As you climb the ladder, you get closer to your goal.
The choices you make now will affect your future. All of your activities, volunteer work, and part-time jobs are steps in your career path. Keep these things in mind: