Career vs. Job

Have you been trying to make a career out of your job? Is your job adding value to your career? Is your job the same as your career?

The world is witnessing a revolutionary change. And what a time to witness this change if you’re young, straight out of college, a job-seeker or even a seasoned professional. Everyone is on the lookout to grab a high paying job and bring home a six-figure pay-check that caters to all of their financial needs.

If you’re someone who thinks that a job defines your career, or that they are both the same thing, I’ve got an eye-opener for you:

A Job is something you simply do as a means of earning money. It is usually short-term and focuses on getting a task done. It can last for a day, a month, or perhaps even a few years.

A Career is a series of related employment in a particular field that provides experience for your future and further assists you in earning a better pay-check and living status.

The result of the two might look similar on the surface in terms of monetary value. However, there is a drastic difference that many are unaware of.

Getting a good job is a temporary means to earn money. But making a good career is a life building process.

Confused as to what that specifically entails? Don’t worry, I’m going to share with you a little learning that I have attained along my way paving my desired career pathway:

Finding Happiness in the Work That You Do

Whilst both a job and a career aim at earning a basic livelihood and equipping you with enough money to lead a comfortable or luxurious life; it is vital to do something that you enjoy doing.

“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” - Mark Twain (Author)

There is much truth in the above words. If this quote makes you think a certain way, then ask yourself are you really happy with your job or the work that you do to earn a living?

For some of you, the answer may be: “Yes, I love it!”

For others, it may be a melancholy “No, I have to get out of this” or “I’ve had enough”.

And then there are those that may be stuck somewhere in between.

The best thing to do then is to ask yourself: how do you define happiness in work?

We easily convince our minds into believing that money grants us happiness. Deep within, we all know that it is not only about the pay that defines our happiness at work but other factors such as job satisfaction, growth prospects, job environment, work-life balance, as well as your overall professional development.

It is desirable to be positioned higher up in the management level. But what if you are not moving up the ladder and your job isn’t able to open doors for a better future ahead?

Is Your Financial Freedom Dependent on a 9 to 5 Job?

Do you the satisfaction and contentment you felt when you received your first appointment letter? It was perhaps like all of your dreams came true and your prayers were answered. But ever stopped to ask why?

It’s because your 9 to 5 job is your definition of financial freedom. It is the key to all of your needs, wants, and luxuries that you can have access to. It also takes care of all of your EMIs and financial debts.

But do you realize that you are subject to this financial freedom at the cost of corporate slavery?

No matter how harsh this may sound, it must be accepted that it is the bitter truth.

You may be highly qualified with the best degree available and decent experience, but your salary depends on your negotiation power at the interview table. Your future increments are subject to performance appraisals that are filled in by biased seniors. Your opportunity to handle advanced projects is often grabbed by your colleagues with lower credentials.

Does any of this sound familiar?

Well… All of your on-job training and workshops are aimed at ultimately delivering the result to the company rather than personally doing you any good.

Therefore, you silent succumb to this slavery because it gives you the so-called “financial freedom” you crave.

It is time to break these chains and unleash your potential to achieving the real “financial freedom” that you deserve!

Are You Caught in the Wheel Of Responsibility?

It is often said that “Education should be for life not for livelihood.”

Contrary to this, however, most of us are conditioned from an early age to bestow the idea that the only true pathway in life is to study and enroll in a university course that will fetch us a good salary.

This stems from the vicious “Wheel of Responsibility” in which we all are a part of.

Our parents struggled hard to provide us with the best upbringing and education. And the more they age, the sooner the baton will be passed to us in which we subject ourselves to the same grueling tasks to fulfil the dreams of our children as the wheel rotates on and on…

However, we were never taught to focus on building a career for sustainable financial freedom. Instead, we were instilled with illusion of chasing the big fat paycheck.

Has anyone ever told you about Career Planning?

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is GREAT work. And the only way to do GREAT work is to LOVE what you do.”

- Steve Jobs (Co-Founder of Apple)

This is indeed true. Career planning is all about finding and planning work that you love to do and then loving the work that you do all throughout your life.

It is not a single job or task but a series of jobs or employment opportunities that YOU choose based on your skillset and interest to assist you to earn a living.

Are You Happy Counting Money for Others? Why Not Do It For Yourself?

There is no shame in working for someone else and minting money for them. But why not explore the gold mine in which you are currently sitting on that you are yet to discover?

Plan your career progression today and see how life takes you off to a completely new world.

A world where work is fun, learning is part of growing and where finances take care of you rather than you taking care of them.

Learn to work for YOURSELF and create financial freedom where you invest all your energy into delivering your best whilst you enjoy your work.

Where you stop chasing MONEY and start chasing your DREAMS!

All this and more in our future articles so stay tuned to learn the tricks and tools of building a successful career with us!

Till we meet again, this is Nan Samy your Life Coach and friend, signing off for now.

Stay happy and Stay positive!