What are your thoughts on the difference between a job and a career, is it just an attitude to work, or is it something deeper, perhaps a different connection or a clearer future.

Are you looking at any way you can progress and climb the ladder of your dream industry or end up in your perfect job? Or do you consider work as a means to an end, somewhere you are not particularly challenged but you know you can turn up and have the ability to pay your bills?

Understanding what you want out of your position will lead you in the right direction.

Comparing a job to a career

For some people securing a stable job that pays a good wage is enough to keep them satisfied in one role for most of their lives. If that’s you, that’s fine. For others, each role they have is a stepping stone to achieving their goals. But these aren’t exclusive, there can be a crossover.

Here are some of the ways that you can make distinctions between a job and a career:

What’s a job:

A job could just be a way to earn money.
Jobs without a career aspiration may have minimal impact on your future work life.
A job offers fewer opportunities to network.
You might complete all of your daily work but not be seeking opportunities to go the extra mile to progress.
Jobs are often not linked to each other, no build in knowledge or direction, hopping from one job to another.
Considering your work as just simply a job can lead to low satisfaction.
You are less likely to take risks and changes will most likely be from external sources.

What’s a career:

A career involves planned steps to progress within your industry or field.
Your career might feel like a passion or a purpose.
Your roles or jobs will provide experience to fuel your future.
You might go beyond your responsibilities and seek out new opportunities or challenges.
You might spend time in your personal life developing your knowledge and skills.
In a career you’ll look for ways to keep yourself happy and motivated.
A career can be developed by working for several employers working towards your end goal.
You are more likely to take risks to get to the next level.

I want a career, not a job, what do I do?

There might be a career already in your present job if you want to grasp it, or you might need to do some soul searching.

The first thing you need to do is to identify some goals and decide which areas – or even industry – you are interested in. Here are some areas you will want to consider.

Actively seek out new opportunities to grow your skills and knowledge.
Talk to people who are already in your chosen industry.
Network, either digitally through channels such as LinkedIn, or attend events.
You might need to take a leap towards your desired career by starting a new job.
Take your Continuous Professional Development seriously, look for courses or training sessions, or look at what new qualifications you might need.
Look for roles that will support career progression, some companies have clear pathways for promotion.
Always keep your eyes open and be aware of what is changing in the industry, be a leader and a knowledge seeker.
Be generous

And lastly, but most importantly, you need to establish a great relationship with the company you want to work with, and the relevant lead. Personal connection is everything. It is important to communicate openly, so think carefully about what you want and where you want to be. By speaking transparently, you can fully investigate any channel that may be open to you. Where can you progress? What can you adjust? Find a true workplace you can call home.

At N2 Physical Therapy, we do quarterly reviews, for this very reason. Communication is key, and must go both ways to be successful. Do not be afraid to work as a team to achieve your dream career.

If your future is in Physical Therapy we can help. We’re with you every step of the way.

Be part of The Sisu Practice Community:

N2 Physical Therapy Founder and Owner Hollie Neujahr has created the Sisu Practice to develop a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team and promote affordable, flexible professional development.

Built on the very best foundation.

Knowledge, experience, skill and clinical practice. The Sisu Practice is dedicated to supporting Physical Therapists to dramatically improve the lives of their clients by using the very latest scientific research and data. Check out the ways we can work together!