Section 1.1 Importance of Work
7
Exploring the World of Work
A key concern of people entering the workforce is finding a job
they enjoy. A job is a task performed by a worker, usually to earn
money. It is rare for a person to stay at the same job for a lifetime and
not want increased variety, responsibility, and pay. Such rewards are
provided by a series of more challenging jobs. When work requires the
use of related skills and experience, that work is called an occupation.
However, an occupation is not a career. A career is a progression of
related occupations that results in employment and personal growth.
Each person is unique, so your idea of the ideal career will
not match someone else’s. Making a good career decision requires
knowing yourself, your strengths, and your interests. It also involves
knowing about the different types of jobs that make up the world of
work.
Education and Training Requirements
Some people are not aware of the educational requirements
for various occupations. Having the education necessary to enter
a profession of choice is very important. Jobs that do not require a
degree or technical training after high school usually provide on-the-
job training. Often, these are lower-paying positions that people use as
stepping-stones to better jobs. See Figure 1-1 for a list of jobs open to
workers without a degree or technical training.
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If you take time to fully
explore your career op-
tions, you will be more
likely to enjoy the job you
ultimately earn.