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Career is a term defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as an individual's "course or progress through life (or a distinct portion of life)". It usually is considered to pertain to remunerative work (and sometimes also formal education).

A career is traditionally seen as a course of successive situations that make up a person's worklife. One can have a sporting career or a musical career without being a professional athlete or musician, but most frequently "career" in the 20th century referenced the series of jobs or positions by which one earned one's money. It tended to look only at the past.

As the idea of personal choice and self direction picks up in the 21st century, aided by the power of the Internet and the increased acceptance of people having multiple kinds of work, the idea of a career is shifting from a closed set of achievements, like a chronological résumé of past jobs, to a defined set of pursuits looking forward. In its broadest sense, career refers to an individual’s work and life roles over their lifespan.

In the relatively static societies before modernism, many workers would often inherit or take up a single lifelong position (a place or role) in the workforce, and the concept of an unfolding career had little or no meaning. With the spread during the Enlightenment of the idea of progress and of the habits of individualist self-betterment, careers became possible, if not expected.

Career Assessments are tests that come in a variety of forms and rely on both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Career Assessments can help individuals identify and better articulate their unique interests, values, and skills. Career counselors, executive coaches, career development centers, and outplacement companies often administer career assessments to help individuals focus their search on careers that closely match their unique personal profile.

Career counseling advisors assess people's interests, personality, values and skills, and also help them explore career options and research graduate and professional schools. Career counseling provides one-on-one or group professional assistance in exploration and decision making tasks related to choosing a major/occupation, transitioning into the world of work or further professional training. The field is vast and includes career placement, career planning, learning strategies and student development.

By the late 20th century a plethora of choices (especially in the range of potential professions) and more widespread education had allowed it to become fashionable to plan (or design) a career: in this respect the careers of the career counsellor and of the career advisor have grown up. It is also not uncommon for adults in the late 20th/early 21st centuries to have dual or multiple careers, either sequentially or concurrently. Thus, professional identities have become hyphenated or hybridized to reflect this shift in work ethic. Economist Richard Florida notes this trend generally and more specifically among the "creative class."

External links

An Insider's Guide to Airline Flight Attendant Interviews
Break Your Career Slump - Yahoo Finance
Occupational Outlook Handbook
O*NET Online Career Search
U.S. Department of Labor
United Nations (2002), Handbook on career counseling
Career Directory and Research Resource

asked: "I'm 20 years old and I don't know what I want to do with my life. Right now, I'm a nanny and I LOVE it. I love feeling like I'm making a difference in a person's life but I'm living paycheck to paycheck with no extra money at all. I'm getting married in three months and my fiance has a really good paying job but, I don't want to be a bum wife that depends on her man to take care of her, you know?I change my mind on a daily basis... One day I want to be a [starving] photographer and then the next I think being a nurse would be kind of cool. The next day, I'm thinking about being a social worker. Are there any websites that can help a person decide what type of career would be good for them based on their interests?"

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MaryUm replied: "Why are you getting married so young??? You haven't even "Found" yourself and had much life experience. You should go to college (start with Liberal Arts until you decide which career path to choose) , start your career, have fun, travel with your girlfriends, date lots of guys and generally LIVE IT UP before SETTLING DOWN !!"

Michael Kelly replied: "Hello,The best one could do is to change a hobby or passion you like and make a business or career out of it. In that way you are not going to work; just enjoying your hobby and being payed for it. Just remember that in life you may dream of certain careers from being a great actor to an astronaut or doctor. When you start working or getting some introduction to the requrements of entrance or the reality of the work, you may find it is not your cup of tea. This sort of quest is normal and sometimes it is a while with some trial and error before you find your niche. LOL, at 20 years old I had no idea that I would be where I am today.Meanwhile here is a site that should be quite helpful as a guide:Regards,Michael Kelly"

Cami M. asked: "I'm looking for a certain career field in which you have the option to opt to travel. International Teaching was the career I found that give you this option of either teaching from the states, or going anywhere in the world as you please. I was wondering if their were similiar careers that give you this option?Thank you."

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Effie replied: "airline stewardess you get to travel watch the movie--------->a view from the top i enjoyed it"

Going Places replied: "Travel and Tourism industry is another option that you can look at."

Rob B asked: "My undergrad degree is in Journalism/Philosophy. I'm very Web savvy and good at researching/writing. But in my career now I'm a community reporter. Can a technical writer out there tell me what's different about their career and how this jump can be made?"

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shysteepinoy01 asked: "I am thinking about going back to school to get a BS in Business Administration.I would like to know what the difference is in careers in Finance and Accounting. Has anyone had a career in either field? What I want to know is:What did you think of your career? What did you do all day in Finance or Accounting?Did you find it exciting or really boring?For a career as a Financial Planner or Financial Advisor, do you work off of commision only?Any information would be very helpful. Thanks."

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Dr. Deth replied: "a B.S. in Bus Admin is a useless degreeFinance is more banking/credit/loans/mortgages relatedaccounting is number crunching, financial statement prep, auditingaccounting is generally boring repetitive, often stressfulhaven't worked in Finance fieldFP/FA - mostly commission or salary with sales quotas - cold calling"

rvd replied: "Accounting is more specific and an accountant will process journals, create accruals, balance sheets and profit and loss accounts. I did this for two years and found it very boring. It is very repititive and I felt like I had the same day every day for two years.Finance is more general and will cover accounting as well as auditing, financial planning and financial advisor etc.There are many difference jobs under Finance."

Theresa M replied: "I work as a bookeeper at a finance company. I love my job! many different things to do all day that makes the day go by real fast. I do accounts receivable and accounts payable I work with investors who invest money into our company, I do the employee's payroll. These are just a few things I do. If you like to work with numbers accounting is a great job and pays well too."

Trigol replied: "The easiest way to distinguish the difference between finance and accounting is to think of accounting as backward looking (recording individual and company actual transactions) and finance as forward looking (pro forma planning debt and investment strategies). A career in financial planning for individuals and small business is a very tough way to make a living. It is commission sales and more of a hustle than intellectual pursuit. A few really good hustlers make decent money, but most fail and go back to salary within one year.I spent 17 years in Corporate Finance with a Fortune 100 tech firm. It was a very rewarding career that encompassed a wide range of activities from treasury investment strategies and corporate capital structure to mergers and acquisitions.A career in Corporate Finance usually requires an MBA, usually from a top 20 school. However, the rewards and opportunities clearly justify the effort."

Vivianna asked: "I need some good career options, but I want something I can also do when I get older and probably won't be phased out it this changing economy. I also don't have a lot of time to spend in school and I need something that I can do right away that I can pay all my bills and provide for my family. So do you know of any career options?"

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Ginny Jin replied: "Housekeeper for a wealthy family. If you live in the UK buy The Lady magazine (it is geared towards females but there are also jobs for men which are advertised by county)."

Máire Siobhán replied: "Well, good question. If there was such a thing, we'd all be doing it!Some jobs that take 2 years or less in training, pay fairly well, and can't be automated or outsourced include phlebotemist, hair dresser, vet tech, x-ray tech, paralegal, dental hygienist, massage therapist, respiratory therapist. That's what comes to mind quickly. Your best bet would be a community college. The admissions office can set you up with an educational counseling session to help figure out what you want to do."

bearsmith90 replied: "Hooker, politician, crooked cop etc."

emmajay83 replied: "i don't know if you have the time/money to get a 2yr nursing degree. but nurses are in high demand and get paid a LOT of money."

Glow wings replied: "You had a great idea with your last question. Nursing is a solid career move. You can get education on-line too. You can have the best in medical insurance, good pay and great rewards! You will never be out of a job either!"

Mr. Pirate replied: "You could try selling yourself to strangers for some bucks. It does have the longest job security and depending on your looks you can squeeze a buck off it.Seriously now, no career has that. On a rare ocasion you could squeeze 1 out of 3 but is really rare. Try to choose something that passionates you, something that you like doing. Mainly because you will be doing it for the rest of your life, so ..."

Celestial Lady replied: "Hey, I'm an Independent Associate for a legal insurance company. If you're really serious, email me @.I can show you ways to support your family, and possibly change your lifestyle. There's a lot of money to be made. You just need the proper tools for the job. Check out this link, then email me."

ksdh31 replied: "Bill Gates job."

cathy_smith68 replied: "nursing, though it has a lot of stress.. that job will never go away.my cousin is a sign language intrepreter... not sure how long the training is, but you can call your local communitiy college and ask.... that job won't go away either.. she is always working"

stan c replied: "Although Real Estate could be stressful at times, I believe it's still the best field. No, I never sold real estate but did have a few properties that I owned and made good money from it. If you want to know what stressful is, try being a bill collector for 35 years"

pupcake replied: "If you have casinos locally, you could deal cards. You could answer phones for companies or become a transcriptionist and work from home on your computer. If you lived in the Midwest, you could be the one to babysit these oil wells. Sleep in a trailer and make sure no one comes around for about $350.00 a night, 7 on and 7 off, isn't bad. :)"

MyMxboys replied: "How is your dexterity? A court reporter makes pretty good money. You type in court and take your stuff home and transcribe it. I don't think it takes alot of schooling.Good luck"

chandrama pyakurail replied: "http://www.emeraldinsight.com/Insight/viewContentItem.do?contentType=Article&hdAction=lnkhtml&contentId=880137"

Tahuti replied: "Teachers tend to have a little more security than average during down economies. Nurses and Doctors as well. Stay away from getting a Business degree, or an MBA, because these degrees really aren't worth the paper they're printed on. A really successful business-person will be successful or fail not because of their sheepskin, but because of their ideas, ability to take the loans out they need (and school loans hinder this), and ability to implement these ideas."

MikeyintheOC replied: "My sister in law is one of those X-RAY technicans, didn't take her long to get through school, and she seems to be doing good for herself. She's making about 40k yearly not bad I suppose"

thom3223 replied: "If you have the personality for it , the highest pay for the least amount of stress is commisioned sales. No matter what kind of economy, in a capitalist society all buisness revolves around the salesperson. Automotive and insurance don't require much training. Real Estate and Securities will require a license in addition to training."

EveretteDavid replied: "Here are two very good options for you to choose from.Number one choose a career in corrections,ie. police,sheriff,parole officer,youth councillor,etc.In this day and age of crime,and mischief you'll never be out of work.Secondly, choose a career in the Health care field,ie. Nursing assistant ,personal care worker (nursing homes),etc.,with our aging,overmedicated,and generally sick society you will once again always be gainfully employed.Hell better yet become a "shrink". There are lots of people out there that need some serious counselling in this field.Hope this helps.So, you've pretty much given up on the idea of becoming a Viking Queen I guess?Too bad, I really thought you had a lot of potential in that field.LOL Later you little hottie!!!"

Bunnie Bones replied: "Hi vivianna!If you are talking about a job with a long surcurity, least stress, and most pay, I will say an actress. I believe that if a person enjoys something, she won't feel stressful. Agree? So the actress is actually enjoying herself and they earn a lot of money for a movie or drama series! You don't see people firing actresses and actors all the time plus singers too so they have the longest job security. What do you think? Is my answer perfect? If you are talking about something that you do when you are older, and you want the longest job security more than the other two options, I suggest something that is not too difficult for your reach. Perhaps...a school teacher.You have children at home so maybe when they have married, you can take care and teach other younger children. All the children will like you! If you prefer least amount of stress,be a caretaker!They take care of children too, and living in the laughter amd smiles of the children reduces your stress! If you want the most amount of pay, I suggest you this. A security guard. Hey! Security guards earn money too! Those outside the condominium. You know? Don't think girls can't be a security guards! I know a great girl sercurity guard. He name is Miss Tay and she is a polite, and friendly security guad. All people respect her. Go for it girl!I hope you will consider this three jobs. Have a good time choosing and deciding your job of the future!Bunnie Bones"

luvhrtz replied: "Receptionist. Alot of places need someone who will stay long term doing reception duties. Most younger generations only want a receptionist position as a stepping stone into a company while companies want someone who is content just answering phones. I think by what I remember of your "physical" history this would suit you terrifically. Go to a local placement agency and they should be able to help out."

CJA replied: "Mortuary Science. EVERYBODY will eventually be a client, there will NEVER be a shortage of corpse, clients don't talk back so NO STRESS and the average funeral package costs about $20,000 for less than 24 hours work."

Computeach are calling on Government to help adults who want to change their career and get into the IT industry

If you’re one of those people who dreads being chained behind a desk every day, consider an anti-9-to-5 job. With the right career training, you can beat burnout before it even begins.

Most small business owners will face this question at sometime in their careers: Should I incorporate? If so, do I use a lawyer or a web site? INC or LLC? What, exactly, are the benefits to incorporating?

You're 20-something, and everyone else on your team is in their 40s. What do you need to know to gain respect?|tease

Students who attended Ivy League institutions are ahead of the pack in starting pay – and they're still doing better than their peers by mid-career. Which also helps to pay off the college debt.

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