Which one of the following sentences is correct? Do you say you’ve got a job or have a career? Both seem accurate, isn’t it? Well, it’s not just you, but most students face this similar problem of assuming the words ‘job’ and ‘career’ as synonymous and using them interchangeably. After reading this article, one will understand better when to use the words ‘job’ and ‘career’ appropriately.
There are many such words present in the English Language that often put the students in a tight spot. The reason being – those words appear to have similar meanings, and students assume them to be synonymous and that they can be used interchangeably, but they are not always used in sentences correctly. So to make sure that one doesn’t get confused while using the words ‘job’ and ‘career’, the following points will be discussed about the difference between the words.
- Table Summarising the Difference between Job and Career.
- The Difference between Job and Career – Meanings
- Examples of Job and Career
- Job and Career – Conclusion
Table Summarising the Difference between Job and Career
| Job | Career | |
| Meaning | It refers to an activity/task that a person performs in order to earn money for a living. | A profession that a person chooses for a significant period of time with opportunities for progress. |
| Usage | It is used as a Noun. | It is used as a Noun. |
| Example | Janice got a job offer from a reputed MNC. | Rob started his career as a doctor. |
The table above shows that the words ‘job’ and ‘career’ are neither synonymous nor can be used interchangeably. Students who previously got confused between these terms can now see the difference between them. The following points discussed below will help students have a clearer understanding of the words ‘job’ and ‘career’ so that they can be used correctly.
The Difference between Job and Career – Meanings
Many people think ‘job’ and ‘career’ mean the same thing, but that’s not true. When you use the word ‘job’, it refers to a specific/particular activity/task that a person does to earn their living. The term ‘job’ is synonymous with ’profession’/‘occupation’, whereas the word ‘career’ means a person’s professional/occupational journey throughout their life. A person’s ‘career’ can include a number of different ‘jobs’. Once the students get this point of difference, it will be easier for them to use these words in the correct contexts without getting confused. The following examples will help you to understand the concepts of ‘job’ and ‘career’ better.
Examples of Job and Career
The following examples will ensure students understand the terms ‘job’ and ‘career’.
Job – Mr. Bruce got a job as an Assistant Professor in the university. (noun)
Career – The famous actress started her career as a bartender at a local restaurant. (noun)
Once students understand the difference between the words ‘job’ and ‘career’, they can easily apply them in proper contexts in their own sentences.
Job and Career – Conclusion
The words ‘job’ and ‘career’ have different meanings and can’t be used synonymously or interchangeably. One simple thing that students can remember is that a ‘career’ can consist of different ‘jobs’. When students are using these words, they have to understand the context before applying them. BYJU’S website offers various articles on many such ‘Differences Between Two Words’ that students often get confused with and end up using incorrectly.
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