Job vs Career – What’s the difference?

Yes, a job and a career are different and it’s important that as a job seeker, you understand the difference. Regular KLCC followers and previous clients will know that we are really passionate about defining this difference and why. If this is news to you, I’m so glad you’re here!

Before we begin, I want to make something clear – we do not judge at KLCC. Whether you’re looking for a job, a career, or simply just some more direction, we’re here for you and we do not discriminate on these grounds. This blog post is to bring to the light the differences between a job and a career in the hopes that it will help some of you get out of your rut and begin taking steps to get where you deserve to be. Let’s get started…

What is a job?

A ‘job’ normally has some or all of these characteristics:

• Short term
• Filling in gaps between other employment
• Working to pay the bills
• Something you’re not necessarily passionate about
• You are always looking for the next opportunity to go elsewhere
• No sense of fulfilment or job satisfaction
• It causes negative stress which you find difficult to deal with
• Culture fit hasn’t been on the top of priorities for you – you just need to work

Now, ‘jobs’ in this sense can be any type of employment, including positions which need considerable training and qualifications. If you’ve worked in multiple roles of this type of the past year or so, you keep hopping around to different companies, you don’t enjoy the work you’re doing, and you have the feeling of “I can’t wait to get out of here…” well say no more. This is not what you want for your forever ‘career’ position, is it?

This is the difference.

So then, what’s a career?

Pretty much everything a job is not!

A career role is something that we all deserve but is not something we all always end up in. And it’s often through no fault of our own.

Many people just don’t recognise the true difference between a job and career, and think that just because they’re experienced and trained in one particular area that this means THIS is their career.

It’s not the case.

A career will make you feel:

• Fulfiled and satisfied
• Accomplished
• Worthy

A career will also be a role which:

• Has manageable, ‘positive’ stress
• Enables you to make an impact in the way you desire
• Is something that you are passionate about doing with your time
• You fit in with the culture of the company and their vision and values
• You feel content in staying in this position for several years

Why is the difference important?

We’ve done a few posts before about job-hopping, and this is the most common ‘symptom’ of working in ‘jobs.’ Career roles rarely have you reaching for your phone to scroll through Seek at lunchtime.

If you are unaware of the difference and just feel like it’s the job that’s the problem, you’re more likely to keep finding yourself in these unsatisfying positions. Hopping from one company to the next. Never feeling like you really know what your passions are.

For a fulfilling and rewarding career, getting clear on that passion and direction is absolutely key.

And we help with this!

But please – remember that ALL jobs, no matter if they are short or long term, do come with hard work and stress to some degree. If you are looking for a position which is easy, stress-free, and pays well… you might end up being just a little disappointed. This is why getting your passions clear and setting your expectations realistically (and to what you do really deserve to experience) will point you in the preferred direction.

How do I get that?!

Finding this ideal, dream career role does not just happen overnight.

No no.

Most often it takes time, persistence, and a great deal of effort.

And this is what KLCC does. We help you find that ideal career path and guide you in creating actionable goals and stepping stones, because having a supportive network to turn to makes this process so much easier.

We have a range of different packages and service options available whether you are just starting out in your career or are looking for something totally new altogether. We’ve got your back!