Chapter 1 – Defining Public Service
1.2 Job vs. Career
A job is work you do mainly to earn money, often without a long-term plan for advancement in that field. It may be short-term, part-time, or something you do while preparing for other opportunities. A career is a series of connected jobs in the same field or line of work that build on each other over time. Careers usually involve setting long-term goals, developing skills, and gaining experience to grow in your chosen profession.
For example, someone might take a job as a clerk in a city office to earn income. If that person continues working in government, moves into new roles with more responsibility, and builds expertise in public administration, they are building a career in public service.