"So, what do you do for a living?" A person asking you this question wants to know about your vocation. Whether or not your career helps define your core individual identity, it definitely plays a major part in your financial stability as an adult. Maybe you've heard people use the terms "vocation" and "profession" interchangeably, but there are differences between the two. In this short guide, you'll learn what sets professions apart from other vocations and jobs.
Jobs vs. Careers vs. Professions
When you think about getting a job, you probably imagine performing work for an employer and getting paid in return for your labor. Most people's primary objective for working a job is to support their basic needs. Jobs come in many different forms: short-term or long-term, contract or direct hire, affiliated with an employer or as part of self-employment through freelancing, gig work or direct sales. You may be paid an hourly rate, a yearly salary, or specific rates for different projects.
When it comes to careers and professions, jobs are just one element of the bigger picture. A profession encompasses the jobs, education, training and certifications you obtain on a specific path. If you dedicate yourself to a particular profession, you must attain special knowledge and skills throughout your journey. To support your professional development, any jobs you have should apply this knowledge and exercise these skills.
"I'm a Doctor, Not a Bricklayer"
Professions are also different from careers. Your individual career encompasses all the work you perform throughout your lifetime. You can engage in multiple professions throughout your career. In theory, you could be a doctor and a bricklayer — probably not simultaneously, but at different points during your life.
Workers change professions all the time. An IT professional may switch to freelance writing, for instance, or an actor may become a politician. Some people engage in related professions concurrently: being a musician and an actor, for example.
Defining a Profession
Members of a profession share some key characteristics. They're a disciplined group of individuals possessing special knowledge, skills and training that enable them to perform the specialized work they do. They must also meet professional standards and follow a code of ethics applicable to their industry.
In medieval Europe, the three classic "learned professions" were law, medicine and the Church. Today, many lines of work are considered professions. These include traditionally white-collar fields such as accounting, finance, teaching, medicine, law, and science plus creative work such as writing, visual art, music and acting.
Skilled Trades as Professions
Many skilled trades also require special training and study of a recognized body of learning. Preparation for these professions often includes apprenticeships and certifications, which may require additional education and passing certain exams. Would-be tradespeople must learn industry best practices, technical procedures and safety standards. Professions include such skilled trade occupations such as plumbers, electricians, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, welders and machinists.
Looking Toward Your Future
As you're looking for your first job, it's important to keep your immediate and distant career goals in mind. Pursuing a profession requires effort and dedication, but you must start with your desires and interests. Matching your interests and aptitude with professions that naturally harness them are vital keys to finding career satisfaction.
