Do You Have a Job, a Profession, or a Career?

When I worked for money, I was bored and miserable. Until....

I discovered it was never the company I was working for or the nature of the work I do or the pay I got, but my attitude and engagement towards them which has made all the difference. From my observation, there are three levels of work engagement, which are basically "three realms of doing things": Work for Money, Be a Professional, and Embrace a Career. Let's dive in.

The First Level: Work for Money

The first level is simply working for money. A person at this level treats their job as just a means to earn money. They work when paid and stop working when they are not. This kind of person can be described as a worker who is driven purely by financial incentives.

Motivation: Money is the primary motivator. The worker's commitment is tied directly to financial compensation, and without it, their engagement ceases.

An example of this would be a factory worker who performs tasks on an assembly line. They focus solely on completing tasks for the paycheck, without a deeper connection to the product or the industry. Their motivation is entirely dependent on the financial reward, and their engagement level drops when the monetary incentive is removed.

The Second Level: Be a Professional

The second level is about seeking personal growth and development through work. This person aims to become a professional in their field, mastering their craft. For example, a sushi chef might become known as a "sushi master." Their commitment to perfecting their skills and achieving excellence transforms their work from a job to a profession.

Motivation: Personal conviction and a desire for self-improvement drive individuals at this level. They are motivated by the pursuit of excellence and the satisfaction of mastering their craft.

Achieving this level of proficiency often aligns with the "10,000-hour rule" popularized by Malcolm Gladwell in his book "Outliers." This rule suggests that it takes roughly 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to achieve mastery in any field. Do you know: Stephen Curry, the NBA superstar, practices over 1,000 three-pointers a day, demonstrating his dedication to mastering his shooting skills? Lionel Messi, the legendary footballer, takes hundreds of free kicks and spends countless hours perfecting his dribbling and ball control. Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian, is said to swim around 10 kilometers every day during training periods, showcasing his relentless pursuit of excellence.

A doctor performing heart surgery, despite being told midway that they won't be paid, would likely still complete the surgery due to a sense of commitment and professional ethics. This level is characterized by a sense of pride and professional spirit, distinguishing the individual as a respected professional.

The Third Level: Embrace a Career

The third level is embracing a career or calling. This is where the person continues their work regardless of payment. They might even invest their own money into it. This level is driven by passion and a sense of mission. The work becomes their life's mission, and they remain committed even without financial incentives.

Motivation: Duty and a sense of mission are the primary motivators. These individuals are driven by a deeper commitment to their values and the impact they can have on others and the world. When you are following a deeper purpose, there is no fear of failure, and no one can defeat you because you are not competing with others; you are fulfilling a mission.

For instance, an entrepreneur who invests personal savings into a venture despite initial opposition, driven by a belief in the meaningful impact of their work, embodies this level. They continue to push forward because they see their work as a mission, contributing to a greater good. This mindset reflects a higher purpose or destiny, where one is aligned with their true calling.

Conclusion

Understanding these three realms can help individuals reflect on their current engagement with their work and aspire to higher levels of fulfillment and impact. Whether you view your work as a job, a profession, or a career, recognizing where you stand and where you want to go can inspire personal and professional growth.

By aiming to transition from merely having a job to pursuing a profession and ultimately embracing a career, you can find deeper satisfaction and purpose in your work. This journey not only enhances personal fulfillment but also contributes to greater contributions to your field and society.