Do you have a Job or a Career?

Often times we will take a job out of necessity because we need to earn money in order to survive. Sometimes we think we will take this job for now, until something better comes along. Sometimes we aren’t even thinking about the future, a job is a job. What about you, is your job a career or just a job?

There are those that actually went out and searched for a specific position that they knew would be their career. These are focused people that have goals and plans and know what they want. However, sometimes even these people end up doing work that does not fit into their career goals out of necessity or simple life circumstances.

When I was younger I took a job just because it was conveniently located and the hours fit into my desired schedule. I didn’t think about the future or if this job would turn into a career. I did what I was supposed to do. I did my best, was a loyal employee and found that I was pretty good at the functions of the position. The next thing I knew I received a promotion and then another promotion and ten years later realized I had a career. I more or less just fell into that career by sheer convenience and circumstance. I didn’t seek out a job in that industry, I didn’t plan to work there for ten years, it just happened. How many people do you know that can say the same thing? Probably more than you realize.

Recently things have changed. My ten year job that turned into a career ended abruptly with corporate wide downsizing. This caused me to seek out a new job. Again I was not looking for a career, but rather a job to replace the income that was lost with the position that was eliminated.

Millions of us are in the same position. We may have had a career, whether we originally intended for the job to become a career or not, but now are faced with starting all over. We need to remember that sometimes just following through on the need for an income can lead to more than just a job. We need to be open to the possibilities of starting a new career not just a job.

For those of you that are working currently and have jobs, apply yourself, commit to improving your performance and strive to make it a career! Any job is a good job in today’s world. It takes the right attitude and outlook to make that job a career. Even if it is short lived, make it count!

A career is something that you care about, that you give 100% to; that you feel successful doing and that gives you a sense of pride and self respect. Even if you are doing a job that you think will be temporary, look at it as a career! Take it seriously as you never know where it will lead. Make your job a career by really applying yourself and caring about what you do!