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A Job vs Career

Years ago, when I first started work after graduating from university, I was told by a co-worker, a few years senior that she was looking for a career, not just a plain old job.  At that time i was young, impressionable, and totally floored by what sounded so mature from someone not much older than myself.  A career!  Yes! A single word that expresses conviction, commitment and passion.  So powerful!  So jaw-droppingly awesome! 

I've used this exact expression in subsequent years during job interviews and I suspect it impressed many of my interviewers as well.  It has become one of the interview techniques I use to land a job.  Do I mean it?  I doubt it, definitely not at the interview.  I might develop a feel for the job after a few weeks, which will determine whether I will stay on, but I certainly cannot tell you for sure that this job will be my career!  

I've been reminded that this is the 10th year I've been in official employment/unemployment, post graduation.  I went from a proper job, to unemployment for a few months, to temping for a while, to a proper job again until today.  I know now that I work because it puts bread on the table, it pays for my next holiday, it covers my mortgage payments and everything else.  I go to work because I am an honest worker and I am duly paid for what I do.  Do I love my job?  Not really. Is it my career?  Quite possibly, if I want it to be.  It is possible to have a career without loving your job, I think.  Those are two separate issues.    

Considering that I landed my current job through some odd circumstances 5 years ago, I should really count my blessings and thank God for all the perks that come with it.  It has been smooth-sailing so far, so please let it continue so that I can cruise along and enjoy the ride for a while more.  
  

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