Job or career? Your choice has everything to do with your personal passion
and financial future.

At first glance, “job” and “career” might seem interchangeable, but in reality, they have distinct meanings that can shape your life in different ways.

Picture yourself at a crossroads. You’ve got two options ahead of you. On one side, there’s a job that pays the bills, and on the other, there’s a career that promises growth, experience, and better-paying opportunities. Both choices have perks, but knowing the distinction between a job and a career can shape your financial future. Let’s explore how you can make the most out of your career journey.

Job vs. Career

At first glance, “job” and “career” might seem interchangeable, but in reality, they have distinct meanings that can shape your life in different ways.

• Job. A job is all about earning money to cover your expenses and meet basic needs.
• Career. On the other hand, a career is a journey made via a series of decisions and choices that allow you to gain experience, build skills, and progress toward higher-paying roles with greater responsibilities. The key to a successful career is identifying and mapping the path that aligns with your long-term goals, attitudes, and passions. Throughout your career, you might evolve and change paths as your interests and expertise grow, and that’s okay. The experiences you gain along the way will often provide you with transferable skills that can open doors to new opportunities in various fields.

Deciding on Your Career Path

Every decision you make on your career journey can have a big impact on your financial success. Here are some things to consider when planning your path:

• Income potential. Check out the earning potential in the career field you’re interested in. Consider your education, experience, and the cost of living in the area where you want to work. Don’t forget to factor in any extra costs for further education or certifications if you want to move up.
• Interests and lifestyle. Find a career that matches your passions and lifestyle. Think about the physical environment you prefer working in and if you’d be okay with traveling. If travel is required, figure out how much time you’re willing to be away from home.
• Industry environment. Different industries offer different opportunities for growth. Whether you go public, private, or nonprofit, make sure your salary expectations and values match the place you choose to work.

Identify Your Career Goals

Goals are the compass guiding you through your career journey. They can be short-term or long-term, and together, they create a road map for your future success.

• Short-term goals. These focus on immediate milestones, like landing your first salaried position.
• Long-term goals. These provide a broader perspective, helping you shape your short-term goals
  into a bigger picture.

These goals can help you decide on your field of interest, whether it’s public administration, nonprofit work, or the corporate world.

To help make them more attainable, set S.M.A.R.T. career goals that are:

• Specific. Make a specific goal like “I want to be recognized as my company’s expert in recruiting practices…”
• Measurable. Develop a tangible measurement to achieve that goal, such as “I will qualify for HR certification
  by March.”
• Achievable. Be honest regarding your abilities, skills, and time availability to achieve that measurable goal.
  “I will manage my time effectively and not take on too many projects.”
• Realistic. Create goals that matter to you, or you won’t achieve them. “I want to do more for diversity and inclusion at my company.”
• Time-bound. Give yourself a realistic time frame to reach your goals. “I will try for a promotion in six months.”

Your Future Awaits

As you set out on your journey to a fulfilling and financially secure future, the decisions you make along your career path really count. Take the time to determine your income potential and work-life balance and how they align with your long-term goals. With this knowledge, you’ll be prepared to pave the way for success and secure your financial future. Need help managing your finances as you chart your course? Reach out to your financial institution.