Christcorp
15-Year Member
- Joined
- May 21, 2008
- Messages
- 5,382
I am still pretty involved with air force academy applicants. Many have been turned onto this site, and mostly lurkers. But one thing I have noticed from many of their questions; as well as questions by some "young" posters; is their comparison of the academies to civilian colleges/universities, as well as their future after graduation.
I'd like to simply mention the "Difference" between a "JOB" and a "CAREER". 75% of most student who graduate high school, whether they go to college or not, will wind up with a "JOB". About 20% will wind up with a "Career". And the other 5% will be unemployed. And when I say "Career", I'm not speaking of a "Long Term" employment such as a "20 year military CAREER". So, what is the difference between a "Job" and a "Career", and why do many refer to the military as being a "Career"?
Yes, the technical term of a "Job" is the work you do, day to day, that earns you money to pay your bills and discretionary spending. Whereby a "Career" is a long term advancement of one or many "Jobs" which provides advancement in your area of expertise. This may be technically true, but I contend that it's much more than that.
I have family members, and many of you may also, who have "Jobs". They've had this or similar "Jobs" for 20-30 years. And when they retire, they may even get some sort of a pension. But that still doesn't constitute it being a career. Maybe for some, but not for most. That factory worker, assembly line worker, manufacturing worker, utility worker, etc... are generally "JOBS". You go at the beginning of your shift, you do what they pay you to do, you come home, you have your other life, you go to bed, you wake up the next morning, and you start all over again. You look forward to the weekends and your time away from the "Job". The majority of people will spend their entire life like this. Nothing wrong with it for most. But this not a "Career". At least not by the definition that matters.
A "Career" is a job where you honestly feel part of something bigger than yourself. Where you care about the others you work with. A place where you don't mind coming to. Where you don't spend Monday waiting for the weekend. A "Career" is where you can advance to the level of your choosing. Where you can accept and achieve the level of responsibility you desire. You can usually tell that you have a "Career", because many of the people you work with, are many of the people you spend your free time with. Your co-workers become your close friends. There's an unofficial support system among employees. You feel that if you were to leave, people would MISS YOU. Or when someone else leaves, you will miss them. This is a career.
So, what does this have to do with the academy and air force? Simple, the military CAN be just a job, or it can be a career. Many times it's a career. Whether you do 5 years and get out, or 20 years and retire. Unlike most "Jobs", you will build bonds with those you work with. You will spend a lot off duty time with these same people. You will be part of a family. You all have common goals. It's not uncommon to work on things during your off duty time, because you WANT to. You aren't doing it just for the paycheck. You feel part of something bigger than yourself. You know that there's people there that truly care about you.
It's really difficult to explain, but the vast majority of military people realize the difference. Many who are young, and haven't had too many real jobs, don't realize it until they leave the military. But I want people to know that military life can be a rewarding CAREER and not just a job. There are some people in the civilian world fortunate enough to find a "Career". But the vast majority in the military have that benefit. Even though many don't realize it. So, when you think about the academy and future military life, keep in mind that for most people it's not just a job. It's a career. It's a family. You are part of something bigger. It can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Something that most civilians look for their entire life and few ever find. Best of luck to everyone. Mike.....
I'd like to simply mention the "Difference" between a "JOB" and a "CAREER". 75% of most student who graduate high school, whether they go to college or not, will wind up with a "JOB". About 20% will wind up with a "Career". And the other 5% will be unemployed. And when I say "Career", I'm not speaking of a "Long Term" employment such as a "20 year military CAREER". So, what is the difference between a "Job" and a "Career", and why do many refer to the military as being a "Career"?
Yes, the technical term of a "Job" is the work you do, day to day, that earns you money to pay your bills and discretionary spending. Whereby a "Career" is a long term advancement of one or many "Jobs" which provides advancement in your area of expertise. This may be technically true, but I contend that it's much more than that.
I have family members, and many of you may also, who have "Jobs". They've had this or similar "Jobs" for 20-30 years. And when they retire, they may even get some sort of a pension. But that still doesn't constitute it being a career. Maybe for some, but not for most. That factory worker, assembly line worker, manufacturing worker, utility worker, etc... are generally "JOBS". You go at the beginning of your shift, you do what they pay you to do, you come home, you have your other life, you go to bed, you wake up the next morning, and you start all over again. You look forward to the weekends and your time away from the "Job". The majority of people will spend their entire life like this. Nothing wrong with it for most. But this not a "Career". At least not by the definition that matters.
A "Career" is a job where you honestly feel part of something bigger than yourself. Where you care about the others you work with. A place where you don't mind coming to. Where you don't spend Monday waiting for the weekend. A "Career" is where you can advance to the level of your choosing. Where you can accept and achieve the level of responsibility you desire. You can usually tell that you have a "Career", because many of the people you work with, are many of the people you spend your free time with. Your co-workers become your close friends. There's an unofficial support system among employees. You feel that if you were to leave, people would MISS YOU. Or when someone else leaves, you will miss them. This is a career.
So, what does this have to do with the academy and air force? Simple, the military CAN be just a job, or it can be a career. Many times it's a career. Whether you do 5 years and get out, or 20 years and retire. Unlike most "Jobs", you will build bonds with those you work with. You will spend a lot off duty time with these same people. You will be part of a family. You all have common goals. It's not uncommon to work on things during your off duty time, because you WANT to. You aren't doing it just for the paycheck. You feel part of something bigger than yourself. You know that there's people there that truly care about you.
It's really difficult to explain, but the vast majority of military people realize the difference. Many who are young, and haven't had too many real jobs, don't realize it until they leave the military. But I want people to know that military life can be a rewarding CAREER and not just a job. There are some people in the civilian world fortunate enough to find a "Career". But the vast majority in the military have that benefit. Even though many don't realize it. So, when you think about the academy and future military life, keep in mind that for most people it's not just a job. It's a career. It's a family. You are part of something bigger. It can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Something that most civilians look for their entire life and few ever find. Best of luck to everyone. Mike.....