What is a Career?

Career.  It is a big word that is used regularly.  What does it really mean?  

Let's start with a "job".  A job is anything that you do in exchange for some benefit, usually a paycheck.  You may love it.  You may hate it.  It might be similar to the job you had before, or it might be totally different. 

A "career" is one or more jobs that tie together in a cohesive theme that is meaningful to you.  It is something that you care about; that you feel is a progression.  You nurture a career.  You direct it.  It has purpose.  

For example, my career has focused on operations, people and culture.  It has crossed multiple industries from sporting goods manufacturing to technology to commercial real estate to education.  The common theme is operations, people and culture.   I didn't plan it this way when I was in my early 20's.  Instead, I followed what I was good at and enjoyed.  The theme emerged over time.

Someone else's career might be entirely in a single industry spanning multiple roles.  Most commonly it builds on a specific skill set: sales, engineering, project management, etc.  It doesn't necessarily have to provide you income but is arguably a hobby if it doesn't make you money (this article provides a good visual).

My advice in finding your career: start by following what you are interested in.  When you get your first job, dive in and be curious.  I don't believe we each have only one calling.  Many things become interesting the more you dig in.  Keep a journal and note the times you got excited and lost in the work (the magic flow state!).  Keep fine tuning to do more of this thing.  And when you decide to change jobs, make sure it is a step towards doing more of this.

How To Learn More

• Dig into my other writings on the job search process on The Search page.

  • Better understand your own skills and where you will be successful at Roles.

  • Check out my writings on various industries and departments at the Industries page.