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why is it so important?
Why is a career so important to so many people I understand it's so we can live but why do people care what we do?
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Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Caitlyn !
This is indeed an interesting question and I think those who value a career rarely give it a second thought but I would be happy to share some words about this.
For those people who feel that a career is important, it is something that they have been inspired and driven to do. It is usually work that the person feels deeply about and wants to participate in. It comes with a strong desire to be an active member of a community. It is important to the person and they envision their contribution as valuable.
On the other hand, for people who are not interested in a career, they most likely are interested in spending their time with other life ventures. For instance, many dedicate their lives to family or spiritual pursuits for which they do not get paid. When people do not value getting into a career, they are driven into other directions that may be as fulfilling as those who choose to go the career path. It does depend upon the person.
The preference for either is greatly shaped by the persons' experiences and how they feel towards education, their position and role in their family, messages that have been communicated to them in their environment or through media and various influences. We get close to things that we are successful in and things that are encouraged in us. Everyone places importance in a different way on the things they choose in life.
Since being involved in a career is generally interesting to a great number of people, that question of, "So what do you do for a living? " or "What line of work are you in ?" is a standard ice breaker question that people may ask when they first meet someone so they can start a conversation. Careers or no career is a large part of a person's identity, so to discuss how you spend your day is interesting to people. I can't say why people care, but I know that it is always a good question at the onset of meeting someone new and should never be used to judge someone. A well-rounded person will take interest in a person for who they are and not ask that question to judge how much money a person might have or make assumptions about that person. Since people are all different, it's almost impossible to say why some care and some don't.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
This is indeed an interesting question and I think those who value a career rarely give it a second thought but I would be happy to share some words about this.
For those people who feel that a career is important, it is something that they have been inspired and driven to do. It is usually work that the person feels deeply about and wants to participate in. It comes with a strong desire to be an active member of a community. It is important to the person and they envision their contribution as valuable.
On the other hand, for people who are not interested in a career, they most likely are interested in spending their time with other life ventures. For instance, many dedicate their lives to family or spiritual pursuits for which they do not get paid. When people do not value getting into a career, they are driven into other directions that may be as fulfilling as those who choose to go the career path. It does depend upon the person.
The preference for either is greatly shaped by the persons' experiences and how they feel towards education, their position and role in their family, messages that have been communicated to them in their environment or through media and various influences. We get close to things that we are successful in and things that are encouraged in us. Everyone places importance in a different way on the things they choose in life.
Since being involved in a career is generally interesting to a great number of people, that question of, "So what do you do for a living? " or "What line of work are you in ?" is a standard ice breaker question that people may ask when they first meet someone so they can start a conversation. Careers or no career is a large part of a person's identity, so to discuss how you spend your day is interesting to people. I can't say why people care, but I know that it is always a good question at the onset of meeting someone new and should never be used to judge someone. A well-rounded person will take interest in a person for who they are and not ask that question to judge how much money a person might have or make assumptions about that person. Since people are all different, it's almost impossible to say why some care and some don't.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Caitlyn I think you’re thinking short-term, which I would define as a JOB vs a CAREER.
I don't believe Jobs vs careers are technically the same thing; it may be a question of semantics. When the actual difference is our mindset. One key difference between the mindset of having a job vs career is that jobs give you paychecks, whereas careers give you work experience. You might even consider it a form of life education. When what you do becomes a career, your goals are completely different. Instead of focusing on your next paycheck, you’ll be focusing on building long-term relationships with some key mentors and coaching employees to reach beyond their potential. Compensation becomes an afterthought when you’re working in a place that you love. And the truth is, there are other forms of rewards that are just as rewarding as pay. Intrinsic rewards such as seeing your team blossom under your leadership is extremely fulfilling.
When you have a career that you love, you’re willing to go above and beyond your normal duty. When you’re engaged, you don’t mind doing some extra work, in fact, you don’t even notice it. You’re happy to do it because you genuinely want your team and company to succeed. It’s tough to get motivated and feel like you should go above and beyond if you’re not passionate about what you’re doing. And since managers lead by example, if you want your team to be engaged, you need to be engaged as well. A career is an opportunity to develop. Management skills are transferable skills, and there is great value in this. One of the most amazing things about developing as a manager is that you get to grow. Jobs on the other hand feel more like a means to an end. And those with a "job" mindset often don't stick around in one place for too long in my opinion.
Good luck in your journey Caitlyn
I don't believe Jobs vs careers are technically the same thing; it may be a question of semantics. When the actual difference is our mindset. One key difference between the mindset of having a job vs career is that jobs give you paychecks, whereas careers give you work experience. You might even consider it a form of life education. When what you do becomes a career, your goals are completely different. Instead of focusing on your next paycheck, you’ll be focusing on building long-term relationships with some key mentors and coaching employees to reach beyond their potential. Compensation becomes an afterthought when you’re working in a place that you love. And the truth is, there are other forms of rewards that are just as rewarding as pay. Intrinsic rewards such as seeing your team blossom under your leadership is extremely fulfilling.
When you have a career that you love, you’re willing to go above and beyond your normal duty. When you’re engaged, you don’t mind doing some extra work, in fact, you don’t even notice it. You’re happy to do it because you genuinely want your team and company to succeed. It’s tough to get motivated and feel like you should go above and beyond if you’re not passionate about what you’re doing. And since managers lead by example, if you want your team to be engaged, you need to be engaged as well. A career is an opportunity to develop. Management skills are transferable skills, and there is great value in this. One of the most amazing things about developing as a manager is that you get to grow. Jobs on the other hand feel more like a means to an end. And those with a "job" mindset often don't stick around in one place for too long in my opinion.
Good luck in your journey Caitlyn
Thank You Michelle. I'm so proud to be on CareerVillage team. You set such an amazing example for all of us and I don't know what we would do without you.
Updated
Paul’s Answer
>Why is a career so important to so many people?
This is an intriguing philosophical question with no single definitive answer, which makes it all the more fascinating.
The importance of a career is subjective and depends on how you choose to weigh your work-life balance. This balance can also shift at different stages of your life!
Many people derive deep personal satisfaction from their career achievements. Whether it's reaching a vice president position by a certain age, leading a team of a specific size, publishing a certain number of research papers, earning tenure as a professor, or filing multiple patent applications, these goals are personal and often involve a journey of self-discovery to identify what truly brings fulfillment.
It's perfectly okay if you're still unsure in your younger years. The process of exploring and discovering your career path is an exciting journey. So, keep an open mind and stay curious.
>Why do people care what we do?
The reasons can vary widely. It could be out of curiosity, or perhaps to link you with others who might be interested in collaborating with you based on your work. The possibilities are endless!
This is an intriguing philosophical question with no single definitive answer, which makes it all the more fascinating.
The importance of a career is subjective and depends on how you choose to weigh your work-life balance. This balance can also shift at different stages of your life!
Many people derive deep personal satisfaction from their career achievements. Whether it's reaching a vice president position by a certain age, leading a team of a specific size, publishing a certain number of research papers, earning tenure as a professor, or filing multiple patent applications, these goals are personal and often involve a journey of self-discovery to identify what truly brings fulfillment.
It's perfectly okay if you're still unsure in your younger years. The process of exploring and discovering your career path is an exciting journey. So, keep an open mind and stay curious.
>Why do people care what we do?
The reasons can vary widely. It could be out of curiosity, or perhaps to link you with others who might be interested in collaborating with you based on your work. The possibilities are endless!
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Caitlyn - this is a very thoughtful question. I suspect that the answers varies per person. Sometimes I ask because I am genuinely curious or am looking for a commonality to further a discussion or get to know someone better.
Sometimes individuals will show more respect or interest in people with prestigious or high-paying careers, such as law, consulting, or investment banking. Or alternately, they will show less respect to people with lower-paying career or careers they don't understand. This is unfortunate because individuals using such shallow judgement forget that some lower-paying jobs, such as teaching or non-profit work, are still really important and can be very fulfilling. Plus, these individuals could miss out on getting to know very interesting people.
I hope this helps.
Sometimes individuals will show more respect or interest in people with prestigious or high-paying careers, such as law, consulting, or investment banking. Or alternately, they will show less respect to people with lower-paying career or careers they don't understand. This is unfortunate because individuals using such shallow judgement forget that some lower-paying jobs, such as teaching or non-profit work, are still really important and can be very fulfilling. Plus, these individuals could miss out on getting to know very interesting people.
I hope this helps.
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Great question. I think those who want to move up and have the title/leadership positions put a huge amount of their energy into proving their worth. I’ve certainly found times where my career became virtually my whole identity.
I’ve never understood either why people were so critical of the work others do. If you are taking care of yourself and your family, why would anybody be critical of that. We live in a crazy world sometimes.
I’ve never understood either why people were so critical of the work others do. If you are taking care of yourself and your family, why would anybody be critical of that. We live in a crazy world sometimes.
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Caitlyn,
I may be wrong, but, I sense a degree of frustration in your question. If this is from teachers who are trying to encourage you to chart a course of action, I get it! Why are you supposed to know already where it is you are headed? It's so hard to figure out. Why do you have to be headed anywhere specific?
I think a big part of this is how we as adults begin to realize just how fast time goes by, the older we get. We've known successful 21 year-olds, as well as 45-year olds who just sort of drift through life, job to job, paycheck to paycheck, moving out, moving back home with their parents, etc. We want to get young people off to a good start.
Exactly what that good start is might be questionable. There are many good jobs that nobody talks about. Nobody says "I want to be a customer service representative." But many of those jobs pay well, especially in the Insurance industry.
You honestly do NOT have to have it all figured out right now. It is possible to go through life changing careers. . . but perhaps remaining in the same industry. For example, I know of a doctor who left practicing medicine to go into sales - selling medical equipment to other doctors. Still in healthcare - just a change in occupation.
You will learn how to market yourself with your resume, to highlight those skills in one job that relate to the job you are applying for. Many people change jobs every 2-5 years. You too can do that!
Please don't allow yourself to feel pressured. There are lots of alternatives! But, please do start thinking about what you like and what you don't, sort of trying to narrow it down just a little.
As to how to answer the question of what you want to do when it comes up conversationally, you can be as vague or specific as you want. "I'm not sure yet, I'm still weighing my options, although, I'm leaning towards something that involves working with animals."
Hope this helps!
Kim
I may be wrong, but, I sense a degree of frustration in your question. If this is from teachers who are trying to encourage you to chart a course of action, I get it! Why are you supposed to know already where it is you are headed? It's so hard to figure out. Why do you have to be headed anywhere specific?
I think a big part of this is how we as adults begin to realize just how fast time goes by, the older we get. We've known successful 21 year-olds, as well as 45-year olds who just sort of drift through life, job to job, paycheck to paycheck, moving out, moving back home with their parents, etc. We want to get young people off to a good start.
Exactly what that good start is might be questionable. There are many good jobs that nobody talks about. Nobody says "I want to be a customer service representative." But many of those jobs pay well, especially in the Insurance industry.
You honestly do NOT have to have it all figured out right now. It is possible to go through life changing careers. . . but perhaps remaining in the same industry. For example, I know of a doctor who left practicing medicine to go into sales - selling medical equipment to other doctors. Still in healthcare - just a change in occupation.
You will learn how to market yourself with your resume, to highlight those skills in one job that relate to the job you are applying for. Many people change jobs every 2-5 years. You too can do that!
Please don't allow yourself to feel pressured. There are lots of alternatives! But, please do start thinking about what you like and what you don't, sort of trying to narrow it down just a little.
As to how to answer the question of what you want to do when it comes up conversationally, you can be as vague or specific as you want. "I'm not sure yet, I'm still weighing my options, although, I'm leaning towards something that involves working with animals."
Hope this helps!
Kim
Updated
Sundar Rajan’s Answer
Caityln- I am glad you are asking this great question as a student.
To specifically answer that question why do people care what we do and why do we need a career ?
We all struggle not knowing what we are here for. Some are successful in 'figuring' what they they are for and work towards it. Some take a while soul searching. But no matter who, that question doesn't go away. The pursuit on why and what are we here for will remain for quite a bit of our lifetime.
Yes. A job is to keep your lights on and maintain yourself and your needs. A career (whatever thay may be) may span multiple jobs over lifetime. The key question is whatever we do, who are you trying to satisfy ? Yourself or others ? You are solely responsible for your own happiness, success (whatever that means - not just materail benefit!). You may have a job/career but may treat them pursuing a higher goal and may be treating it for just maintining a living condition. Career may be a way to express your true goal. Example. You may be a doctor. But your true desire and goal may be to serve a community (which may be reached in other ways). But as a doctor, may be it not only serves a higher purpose of serving, it gives you a position, profile, authority to serve. Of course, it can be done in a different profession as well. Key is knowing the difference between job-satisfaction and satisfaction of your self. They are not necessarily the same!
Sometimes your career profile may position you and give some advantage in achieving something far beyond just your 'career'!
When you ask why do people care what we do, the question also comes up as to how much do we give weight to what others say/think (not to be disrespectful of their views or anything).
Bottomline is, enjoy what you do. Dont necessarily have to look for validation. Treat their view as informational and for your own education/self-improvement but be careful not to over-read them as like it or not, everybody has some opinion :-)
The very fact that as a student you raise this question tells me that you are already on a great journey ahead! Trust me. Explore and look deep within for answers. You have it waiting to be discovered!
To specifically answer that question why do people care what we do and why do we need a career ?
We all struggle not knowing what we are here for. Some are successful in 'figuring' what they they are for and work towards it. Some take a while soul searching. But no matter who, that question doesn't go away. The pursuit on why and what are we here for will remain for quite a bit of our lifetime.
Yes. A job is to keep your lights on and maintain yourself and your needs. A career (whatever thay may be) may span multiple jobs over lifetime. The key question is whatever we do, who are you trying to satisfy ? Yourself or others ? You are solely responsible for your own happiness, success (whatever that means - not just materail benefit!). You may have a job/career but may treat them pursuing a higher goal and may be treating it for just maintining a living condition. Career may be a way to express your true goal. Example. You may be a doctor. But your true desire and goal may be to serve a community (which may be reached in other ways). But as a doctor, may be it not only serves a higher purpose of serving, it gives you a position, profile, authority to serve. Of course, it can be done in a different profession as well. Key is knowing the difference between job-satisfaction and satisfaction of your self. They are not necessarily the same!
Sometimes your career profile may position you and give some advantage in achieving something far beyond just your 'career'!
When you ask why do people care what we do, the question also comes up as to how much do we give weight to what others say/think (not to be disrespectful of their views or anything).
Bottomline is, enjoy what you do. Dont necessarily have to look for validation. Treat their view as informational and for your own education/self-improvement but be careful not to over-read them as like it or not, everybody has some opinion :-)
The very fact that as a student you raise this question tells me that you are already on a great journey ahead! Trust me. Explore and look deep within for answers. You have it waiting to be discovered!
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. This is a good question. On one hand, a career can provide us the way to earn money to support our living. On the other hand, through the career, we can contribute the society. This can also gives us the sense of achievement and success. Therefore, the most important, you can find a career you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Tiffanie’s Answer
Hi Caitlyn,
What a great thoughtful question. Why is your career so important?
I think that's really a question for yourself. While I love my job, recruiter, it's not the most important thing to me. The most important thing to me is raising good kids and helping my community.
I had a friend that told me she wouldn't be happy until she was the director at her company, well she became the director and she still wasn't happy. It's important to have goals in your career but it's also important to have a healthy work life balance that allows you to have other important things as well.
Your job should be important to you, but it doesn't matter what they job is, as long as it is fulfilling to you. One of my brothers has a job as a call center agent, and I always wondered why he didn't advance in his career and I think it's because he's happy doing what he's doing and his job allows him to do all the other things outside of work that are important.
Your job is only as important as you make it. My brother is proud to say he's a call center agent.
Do something you enjoy for 8 hours out of the day that allows you to do all the other important things in your life (travel, read books, decorate your house, etc.)
I actually think all jobs are important, from the cashier at my grocery store to directors of companies.
Thanks for an incredibly thoughtful question.
What a great thoughtful question. Why is your career so important?
I think that's really a question for yourself. While I love my job, recruiter, it's not the most important thing to me. The most important thing to me is raising good kids and helping my community.
I had a friend that told me she wouldn't be happy until she was the director at her company, well she became the director and she still wasn't happy. It's important to have goals in your career but it's also important to have a healthy work life balance that allows you to have other important things as well.
Your job should be important to you, but it doesn't matter what they job is, as long as it is fulfilling to you. One of my brothers has a job as a call center agent, and I always wondered why he didn't advance in his career and I think it's because he's happy doing what he's doing and his job allows him to do all the other things outside of work that are important.
Your job is only as important as you make it. My brother is proud to say he's a call center agent.
Do something you enjoy for 8 hours out of the day that allows you to do all the other important things in your life (travel, read books, decorate your house, etc.)
I actually think all jobs are important, from the cashier at my grocery store to directors of companies.
Thanks for an incredibly thoughtful question.
Updated
Alex’s Answer
A career to me is learning a set of skills and always having them available, and always trying to learn more and improve on them. It's a progression from one job to another slightly more skilled job - sideways or upward in the same overall field or industry. This way you always have something to fall back on.
Switching from McDonalds worker to car mechanic to janitor to Macy's worker is not career progression, those are individual jobs. They may pay the bills but it may be a more stressful way of living - not necessarily having a "future plan" and always living day by day.
A career gives you a sense of pride and purpose that you are constantly building upon. It's something tangible and long-lasting that no one can take away from you. If you lose your job in a career you just go and find a new & better one in the same field. If you lose a McDonalds job then you're back at square one.
As Kim said though, you don't have to have it all figured out right now. If you're going through some kind of internal struggle (or family intervention), think long term and pick a path that you are at least semi-interested in, and be brave enough to try it. It could lead to bigger and better things.
Switching from McDonalds worker to car mechanic to janitor to Macy's worker is not career progression, those are individual jobs. They may pay the bills but it may be a more stressful way of living - not necessarily having a "future plan" and always living day by day.
A career gives you a sense of pride and purpose that you are constantly building upon. It's something tangible and long-lasting that no one can take away from you. If you lose your job in a career you just go and find a new & better one in the same field. If you lose a McDonalds job then you're back at square one.
As Kim said though, you don't have to have it all figured out right now. If you're going through some kind of internal struggle (or family intervention), think long term and pick a path that you are at least semi-interested in, and be brave enough to try it. It could lead to bigger and better things.
Updated
Yaz’s Answer
People care about what their career is because you dont want to spend 5 days a week for 40 hours doing something you hate.
You want to do something you are interested in and want to grow your career in. Most people wouldnt want to be a fry cook just because its easy to do or just because its a job. People want to do something they are passionate about because they care about it and want to learn. Some people are doctors because they are passionate about saving lives. Others are passionate about videogames because they love when people enjoy their games. Its easy to have a job just to have a job, but to have a career and love what you do is what most people strive for.
You want to do something you are interested in and want to grow your career in. Most people wouldnt want to be a fry cook just because its easy to do or just because its a job. People want to do something they are passionate about because they care about it and want to learn. Some people are doctors because they are passionate about saving lives. Others are passionate about videogames because they love when people enjoy their games. Its easy to have a job just to have a job, but to have a career and love what you do is what most people strive for.
Updated
Louis’s Answer
Hi Caitlyn,
Why is a career so important to so many people?
You answered this partially with your next words. It is part of how we can make a living. Resources are needed and bills will need to be paid to survive in today's society, and a career can resolve the challenge of achieving both of things. Now, when we say "career," we have to look at the long term picture. Most people have jobs that they tolerate, but may not necessarily like or plan to advance in. A career tends to be something that the individual worked towards and wants to advance or progress in. So aside from the monetary gain, people tend to gain fulfillment in their careers. This is why it is so important to so many people. It's going to take up the majority of your adulthood, and it will pave the way for their livelihood.
Why do people care what we do?
Some people praise certain professions, some people want to see how ambitious the next person is, and some people want to have a gauge of how much the next person makes.
Why is a career so important to so many people?
You answered this partially with your next words. It is part of how we can make a living. Resources are needed and bills will need to be paid to survive in today's society, and a career can resolve the challenge of achieving both of things. Now, when we say "career," we have to look at the long term picture. Most people have jobs that they tolerate, but may not necessarily like or plan to advance in. A career tends to be something that the individual worked towards and wants to advance or progress in. So aside from the monetary gain, people tend to gain fulfillment in their careers. This is why it is so important to so many people. It's going to take up the majority of your adulthood, and it will pave the way for their livelihood.
Why do people care what we do?
Some people praise certain professions, some people want to see how ambitious the next person is, and some people want to have a gauge of how much the next person makes.