Distinction Between a Job and a Career
The words "job" and "career" may seem interchangeable to the inexperienced worker, but there are distinct differences. Receiving compensation and performing types of work are two reasons why some may believe the words have the same meaning. It's important to teach young workers, especially teens, the dissimilarities. Understanding how the two differ will help employment-seekers make a knowledgeable choice when it comes time to earn a living.
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Education Requirements
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Education requirements for jobs and careers differ. While job seekers will have more success if they have a high school diploma or GED, these are not always required. Career education requirements often involve a college degree or vocational training. However, it is possible to have a job and receive specialized training to perform special tasks. On-the-job training is available in some job markets but this type of training is job-specific and may not be beneficial if you change jobs. In a career, it may be necessary to brush up on your knowledge occasionally, especially if your career is in an evolving field like computers.
Advancement Opportunities
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Jobs fill a need in a business or company, but these positions may never evolve into any other role. Changing technologies may even limit or make certain jobs redundant. When a person becomes involved in a career, it is often a life-long pursuit that will involve working in different roles. For example, if you've selected a career in fast food, you may begin as a food preparer, become a shift manager, then move on to a managerial role. If you've selected a job in fast food, you'll work in one position with change limited to working different time slots and receiving annual pay increases.
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Differences in Pay
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People in careers bring more product and process knowledge to the table, giving them a better chance at higher pay. Unskilled workers may have good potential and solid job skills, but these factors alone won't result in higher pay. Jobs provide cash through weekly or bi-weekly paychecks and in some cases, tips. Career workers receive a salary that is agreed to during the hiring process. As you move up the career ladder, meeting eligibility requirements like additional training or education, you will receive better compensation. At a job, you may never have the opportunity to earn more than minimum wage.
Benefits and Perks
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Careers come with benefits and perks like company shares, health insurance, life insurance and bonus eligibility. Employers may give job workers some discounts. You are more likely to receive travel perks through a career provider than a job source. Careers like freelance photography or writing allows people to work from home. This kind of working arrangement is rarely available in the job arena. Company cars, cell phones and vacation homes are perks career workers might enjoy.
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References
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