Ashley Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 After a conversation with Daft last week and starting a new job (that I'm not particularly enjoying) I've been thinking about the concept of a 'career'. When you're a nipper you always hear about having a career and working towards that, but more and more I seem to find people who just have a job that they've had for many years. Some of it may be the result of responsibilities (i.e. kids) that they have to remain sensible but I was in a meeting the other day and thinking "is this what you guys chose to do with your life, or just end up here?" So I'm not sure where I'm going, both with my life and this thread, but thought I'd throw it open to you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoogleViper Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 As an unemployed, recent graduate, I've been wanting to start a career. However I don't seem to be able to, so I'm currently looking for a job in the mean time. Not that that's going particularly well. There are many people who aren't interested in a career. They just want a job. Far too much in this society it seems that you're judged if you're happy with a low paid job, and that you're scum if you aren't actively climing the corporate and social ladder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cube Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 I've always considered a "career" to be something where you start off with a small job in a massive corporation, where you can move up the chain. I have no idea if working as a permanent position for a small but growing company counts as a career or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serebii Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 The idea of a career is essentially to try and give people focus, to follow their dreams etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellmeister Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 My company has a great progressive ladder but many people leave after becoming qualified because they can head elsewhere. I find it hard to distinguish whether I have a job or a career. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dannyboy-the-Dane Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 I find the term career a bit ... I dunno, restrictive? Like it's something you have to dedicate your life to and sacrifice stuff for. A job has never really been a life goal for me. My life goal is happiness. Naturally that means I'd like a job I like doing, but it's just never really been the thing I've focused on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayseven Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 I think a career is a story; you can have multiple jobs joined with a particular thread of links, and you can claim it to be a career. I want this to be true because there's absolutely no cohesion in my 7 years of adulthood so far, and I'm hoping the career sort of appears, retrospectively joining the incredibly unmagnetic dots on my CV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daft Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 (edited) My 'career' revolves around things I do and create (whether I get paid for it or I don't). As I am the only constant, I care very little who I do the work for, only that they give me the means to do it. In my eyes, a career is the way to be defined by other people - that idea is unimaginative, too structured and bores me. Of course, it may work for other people. I'm looking for an adventure and all the uncertainties it brings. Yes there will be setbacks along the way but damn compromise to Hell. Edited August 26, 2012 by Daft Setback: Typos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnus Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 I remember an episode of Ellen where Ellen broke up with the love of her life because he was happy just delivering pizzas for the rest of his life. I always thought that was mean. Of course, then she turned out to be a lesbian, so it all worked out in the end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heroicjanitor Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 I remember an episode of Ellen where Ellen broke up with the love of her life because he was happy just delivering pizzas for the rest of his life. I always thought that was mean. Of course, then she turned out to be a lesbian, so it all worked out in the end. Pizza being a euphemism for penis, clearly. Should've delivered some vagina. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 For me I think of a career as being long term with goals and objectives along the way, jobs are the steps to getting there. I think it's true that many people just have jobs with no real career guiding them. I spend the vast majority of my waking hours working so I figure I'd rather enjoy it and try to have some wider goals than just aimlessly working. Even if it's a job you don't hugely enjoy it's still worthwhile if it can lead somewhere. So far I'd say that I've had 6 jobs at 4 companies which all fit into the same career. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamba Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 For me I think of a career as being long term with goals and objectives along the way' date=' jobs are the steps to getting there. I think it's true that many people just have jobs with no real career guiding them. I spend the vast majority of my waking hours working so I figure I'd rather enjoy it and try to have some wider goals than just aimlessly working. Even if it's a job you don't hugely enjoy it's still worthwhile if it can lead somewhere. So far I'd say that I've had 6 jobs at 4 companies which all fit into the same career.[/quote'] What he said! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murr Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 (edited) I'm in a career now I guess... I Started at the company I work for in July 2007 as a telephone sales agent, scummy wage, felt horrible doing the job as I know how annoying tele-sales are.... but Now... here I am.. Senior Database Administrator for the same company. Recognised by the directors of the company, going out on track days with the major players that work here, involved in many partnerships and integrations we have with companies such as ASDA, Go Compare, Compare the market and such, receive champagne and get paid meals when out meeting their contacts from these companies. I'd say i've got a career here now. Edited August 28, 2012 by Murr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EEVILMURRAY Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 Although a "career" by any definition may be nice, I'm just happy to be working to get some damn money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shotgun2k Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 I think a career is a story; you can have multiple jobs joined with a particular thread of links' date=' and you can claim it to be a career. I want this to be true because there's absolutely no cohesion in my 7 years of adulthood so far, and I'm hoping the career sort of appears, retrospectively joining the incredibly unmagnetic dots on my CV.[/quote'] Agree with this : peace: I'm starting to notice the clues / recurring themes within my work which is forming my career. To me it's a case of understanding your skills and defining which job enables you to use and develop them (rather than assessing a job or career looking only at the day-to-day tasks & requirements). It actually took a vivid dream where my dream-self was shouting what I wanted to do for me to actually realise it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr_Odwin Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 I can surf the internet pretty easily at work. /careeraspirations Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcj metroid Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 Work in Web design so the beginning of a career I suppose. But i'm planning to travel a lot next year, I really don't want to settle down anytime soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashley Posted August 28, 2012 Author Share Posted August 28, 2012 I can surf the internet pretty easily at work. /careeraspirations As can I, the joys of HE. They can't restrict access because it could be used for academic purposes. Which is of course what I've been doing all day... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts