When someone asks, "What do you do for a living?" they're seeking insight into your work and how you support yourself financially. While your job may not define your entire identity, it plays a key role in your adult life and economic stability. The terms "vocation" and "profession" are often used interchangeably, but they aren't the same. Professions stand out for their specialized training, expertise, and standards, setting them apart from other vocations and jobs. This guide will break down what makes professions distinct and how they differ from other career paths.
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 a larger picture. A profession encompasses the roles, education, training, and certifications obtained on a specific path. If you commit to a particular profession, you must acquire specialized knowledge and skills throughout your journey. To enhance your professional development, the jobs you have should utilize this knowledge and allow you to apply and refine 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 have common characteristics: discipline, specialized knowledge, skills, and training. They adhere to professional standards and follow industry-specific codes of ethics. In medieval Europe, the "learned professions" were law, medicine, and the Church. Today, numerous fields are considered professions, including accounting, finance, teaching, medicine, law, science, and 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.
