Have you ever thought about whether you have a job or a career? You know, “just a job” or a real career. What’s the difference? Does it matter? Those are great questions. To look for answers, however, we must first examine the differences. We’ll begin with the textbook definition of each. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a job as “a regular remunerative position.” In other words, a position at which you work for pay. The same source defines a career as “a profession for which one trains and which is undertaken as a permanent calling.” Notice the word “calling.” The definition of a calling is “a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action.” Aside from just receiving pay, do you have a strong inner impulse to go to work every day?

Where Do You Stand?

To further explore the differences, take this short quiz about your feelings toward your current position or line of work. Give each question serious thought and answer completely honestly.

Are you going for a job interview? If so, assume all the interviewers are from Missouri! Why? Missouri, of course, is nicknamed the “show me” state. All joking aside, most interviewers, regardless of their home state, tend to have a “show me” state of mind. Let me explain.

Suppose you and your fiancé are making plans for the big day and searching for a wedding photographer. You check out a photographer’s website but notice there are no sample photos. That seems odd. Assuming maybe you somehow simply missed the portfolio link, you contact the photographer. “Oh, I don’t have any samples to show,” says the photographer, “Trust me, I’m good.” Based on that response, you’re ready to sign a contract and plop down a big deposit, right? Yeah, I didn’t think so.

Yet, this is exactly what happens during many job interviews! Candidates have the opportunity to show some form of evidence of their abilities but do not. In fields like photography, graphic arts, music, writing, and others, the norm is for applicants to bring a portfolio or samples of their work. But what about fields where this is not typically the norm? Continue reading →