Careers Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ผ
careers
[kษหrษชษrz ]
Definitions
job opportunities
Careers refer to the jobs or professions that a person has over their lifetime, typically involving multiple steps, advancements, and experiences in a particular field or industry. It is a person's continuous journey of learning, working, and growing professionally.
Synonyms
occupation, profession, vocation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| careers |
Similar to the first 'careers,' it also refers to the long-term progression in a job field, though it might be useful to clarify any differences that arise in context.
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| profession |
Refers to a paid occupation, especially one that requires formal training and qualifications.
|
| occupation |
Used to talk about a personโs job or the general category of work they are engaged in. It doesnโt necessarily imply long-term growth.
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| vocation |
Often used to describe a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation, sometimes implying a sense of calling or purpose.
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Examples of usage
- She has had a successful career in finance.
- He is considering a career change to pursue his passion.
professional life
Careers also encompass the overall progress and development of a person in their chosen profession. It involves building skills, gaining expertise, and achieving milestones in one's career path.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| employment |
Use this when referring to the state of having a paid job, often in a legal or formal context. This term can also describe the relationship between an employer and an employee.
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| work |
Use this in a broad sense to describe any activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose, including but not limited to paid employment.
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| livelihood |
Use this when discussing the means by which someone earns money in order to live, often implying a basic or fundamental aspect of survival.
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Examples of usage
- She is dedicated to advancing her career.
- He is focused on his career growth and development.
to move swiftly in a specified direction
As a verb, 'careers' means to move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way in a specified direction. It implies moving or rushing with speed and momentum.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| careers |
Typically refers to movement at a high speed in an uncontrolled or reckless manner. Often used to describe vehicles or people moving chaotically.
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Examples of usage
- The car careered off the road.
- The ball careered across the field.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word 'career' comes from the Latin 'carraria,' meaning 'road' or 'carriage way,' suggesting a journey through life.
- In the Middle Ages, careers were often determined by family trades, with skills passed down generations.
- The modern concept of a 'career' started developing in the 19th century, as more people began to choose paths based on personal interest rather than solely on family.
Cultural Perspectives
- In some cultures, family expectations heavily influence career choices, often leading to a predetermined path for individuals.
- Career aspirations can vary widely by region; for instance, in some countries, entrepreneurship is highly encouraged compared to rigid corporate structures.
- Many societies are shifting towards valuing work-life balance, leading to new career pathways that prioritize well-being alongside job success.
Psychology
- A person's career choice can reflect their values, interests, and personality traits, illustrating the connection between self-identity and work.
- Job satisfaction is strongly linked to mental health; people in fulfilling careers often report higher levels of happiness.
- Career transitions, such as switching fields or taking a sabbatical, can be pivotal for personal growth and overall life satisfaction.
Education
- The rise of technology has led to new educational paths, encouraging young learners to think about careers in fields like coding and digital marketing.
- Vocational training programs have gained popularity as practical alternatives to traditional four-year degrees, focusing directly on job skills.
- Career guidance and counseling have become essential components of education systems, helping students make informed decisions about their futures.
Pop Culture
- Movies and TV shows often portray 'dream careers' that shape public perception, like doctors, astronauts, or artists.
- Reality shows like 'The Apprentice' and 'Project Runway' popularize specific career paths, influencing viewersโ aspirations.
- The portrayal of career struggles and successes in literature and media helps normalize the challenges people face in their professional lives.
Origin of 'careers'
The term 'careers' originated from the Middle French word 'carriere', meaning 'road, racecourse'. It evolved to refer to one's course or progress through life, particularly in terms of employment. The concept of careers has developed over centuries as societies organized work and professions. Today, careers encompass not only job opportunities but also personal growth, development, and fulfillment in one's professional life.
See also: careerist.
Word Frequency Rank
At #7,465 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
- ...
- 7462 susceptibility
- 7463 nuisance
- 7464 restrain
- 7465 careers
- 7466 regeneration
- 7467 grievance
- 7468 hesitation
- ...