What's the difference between a job, an occupation, and a career? You might have many jobs within an occupation and many jobs within a career. A career or occupation usually refers to a type of work, while a job refers to a specific position with an employer... A Job is: Work for pay that may or may not relate to your occupation or career. Jobs Example: Mechanical Engineer at XYZ company or Engineering Manager at ABC Engineering. An Occupation is: A category of jobs with similar duties, education, and training, and work settings. Occupation Example: Mechanical Engineer. A Career is: it's the combination of your education, training, work, and volunteering over a lifetime. Career Example: A license mechanical who advanced into engineering-specific management and marketing positions over time.