What is Job: Definition and 886 Discussions

A job, employment, work or occupation, is a person's role in society. More specifically, a job is an activity, often regular and often performed in exchange for payment ("for a living"). Many people have multiple jobs (e.g., parent, homemaker, and employee). A person can begin a job by becoming an employee, volunteering, starting a business, or becoming a parent. The duration of a job may range from temporary (e.g., hourly odd jobs) to a lifetime (e.g., judges).
An activity that requires a person's mental or physical effort is work (as in "a day's work"). If a person is trained for a certain type of job, they may have a profession. Typically, a job would be a subset of someone's career. The two may differ in that one usually retires from their career, versus resignation or termination from a job.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. T

    Working at a job where I don't like the technology

    I'm currently working as a .NET developer and i totally hate it. I am not applying to anymore .NET jobs in my future. I'd like to move into the Web Development realm so I've taken steps to get me there: learning html, css, javascript (jquery+other frameworks), php, etc. I'm going to continue...
  2. C

    Cronyism and Nepotism in Job Market

    I would like to know people's experiences in how they were able to gain employment (see poll). Any thoughts or comments people might have are openly welcomed. I ask because I am a recent MecE grad. I graduated top of my class from a strong program. Right now the economy is not great for MecE...
  3. H Smith 94

    What physics job do you do and how do you find it?

    Hi, I'm wondering what jobs there are available in the field of physics, outside of academic research. What job do you do and do you enjoy it? Do you feel it uses your skills as a physicist well? I know there are lots of jobs that involve hefty amounts of engineering (I currently do one!)...
  4. darklord27

    Getting a job in Google or SpaceX

    Hey there guys, I'm an electronics engineer who just finished the course. I'm from India and as we Indians say, we decide what to pursue after doing an engineering degree. I have got job offers from companies such as Deloitte in their consulting division. But recently I joined a startup in the...
  5. R

    Physics Shall I just focus on getting a good job?

    I often wonder people's life in developed countries, not for the recreational activities or big houses, but that the people there are encouraged to pursue what they want and to turn their individual dreams into reality. I have long been fascinated by physics, and maths, and have been dreaming...
  6. L

    Programming as a realistic job after completing a math PhD?

    I will be starting a PhD next month. I know there are other things I need to worry about (actually getting through the next 5 years for one), but I would feel a bit more at ease if I discussed this before hand. First off, I'm pursing the degree because I love math and hope to be a professor...
  7. ZapperZ

    Insights Getting a Physics Job - Comments

    ZapperZ submitted a new PF Insights post Getting a Physics Job! Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  8. Alice Ann Chloe

    Is there any such job for curing diseases?

    I really want to be a scientist who cures diseases, like Ebola, Alzheimers , and ALS, and have done hours of research and need help to find answers. Which type of scientist cures these kind of diseases? Could there be a job like this in the future if there actually isn't one? Or is there people...
  9. Domenico94

    Learning Java and C++ for Job Opportunities

    Hi everyone... I'm a communication system engineering student and in my university we use studying Java. Now, for this summer, when I ll have free time, I was thinking about doing some practice with programming and maybe studying a new language, such C++( it s still a widesprrad language and I...
  10. cde010

    Engineering Help Enter the Engineering Field

    I got a BS in Electrical Engineering back in 2007. I've held a bunch of cools jobs since then but nothing in the Engineering field. Now, I'm ready to hop in but I have ZERO experience. What can I do??
  11. H

    Medical Physics Job Market and Future Outlook

    Hello Everyone, I hope that you all are well, I'm a new user here at Physics Forums and one who plans on studying medical physics in graduate school, and hopes to pursue a residency. My question is regarding the job market for those medical physicists who have been able to complete a medical...
  12. M

    Is a Career in Academia or Industry More Financially Viable for Scientists?

    Now I'm in the middle phase of finishing my master degree in physics with focus on photonics. The next step I would like to pursue is actually a PhD position, but there is something that I also need to consider regarding the choice of field I am going to choose for my PhD research. The thing is...
  13. P

    Electron microscope theory - job opportunites

    thankyou to anyone reading this. I am starting honours in physics and have been given the opportunity to do a project that leads to a phd in the condensed matter theory. The guy I will be working with seems to specifically do work around the theory involved in electron microscopes. hes a great...
  14. D

    Engineering What can I do with a Physics BS besides engineering/CS....?

    I am a rising sophomore pursuing a physics BS with 3.75 GPA at a top 30 private university. After working in a lab as a undergrad research assistant, I realized that studying physics and doing physics is a completely different experience. While I love the subject matter, I can't imagine myself...
  15. Pepper Jane

    10 Common Job Mistakes That Graduates Make

    As a recent graduate you are probably excited to join the workforce, however, in your eagerness you might make mistakes that will cost you. But don’t be afraid! Below we are listing the top mistakes that graduates make in their job search and application, so that you can avoid these pitfalls as...
  16. tanmay

    What are skills needed to get good job in aeronautical engineering?

    Sir I have completed my 12th I have joined Btech course in Aeronautical engineering. My Course is starting on next month. So Sir I want to which skills are required to get highest paying job in reputed companies as aeronautical engineer, So I can develop this skills in my course.
  17. G

    Furthering Physics education inline with current job

    Hi, I have a Degree in Pure Physics and I was recruited last year as a cadet hydrographer for a mine. Hydrography is the branch of applied sciences which deals with the measurement and description of the physical features of terrestrial water catchments, as well as with the prediction of their...
  18. Alex Howard

    What should I volunteer in to gain Astro experience for PhD?

    So here is the gist. I just completed my 3rd year of a 4 year Phys and Astro Masters at the University of Exeter, and for the second year in a row, me and all my course mates were passed over for internships because we lack experience (which we can't get because no one will pick us for...
  19. A

    Job vs Academic Experience for MS&E PhD & Future Career

    Hi all again. I had received very good advice from my previous posts on PhysicsForum. Those advices certainly have helped me to navigate through all the confusions I have for my future career path. So I really appreciate the help from all of you. As I become more informed, I have more specific...
  20. G

    Can I get a job in patent law with a physics degree?

    I am in my final year at university as undergraduate BSc student majoring in physics, and I am wanting to train in IP. I know about all the requirements and exams etc, my question is, am I at a loss compared to engineering students?
  21. T

    How can a Physics major relate to clean energy?

    Hello, I am incredibly interested in Physics, so that is what I am majoring in Physics. However, I also want to do work in clean energy resources. Can I get a job in clean energy with a Physics degree? If so, how?
  22. D

    What to do during physics degree to improve job prospects

    I've just completed the first year of my physics degree. After probing several threads on the subject of job prospects, the outlook from many on here is very bleak. During the summer I've already started learning more mathematics and intend to improve my ( admittedly very basic) programming...
  23. Jarvis323

    B.S. Graduate, Great Job Opportunity, Going to Grad Sc.

    Sorry for the confusing and ambiguous title. I had a hard time describing the topic in so few words. I am graduating, in a few weeks, with a B.S. in Computer Science and will be off to pursue a Masters degree. Recently, multiple companies have asked me to submit a resume and come in for an...
  24. VoloD

    Engineering Engineering Job Opportunies Question

    Hello PF I have a BS in Physics and I am currently enrolled in a Masters of Electrical Engineering program. I have had significant difficulty finding jobs/ Interns despite my efforts. I will complete my program in a year and I feel like I am no closer to finding a job. Sometimes I really...
  25. A

    Applied Mathematics job hunting advice

    Hi all, My husband has a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics and we've been job searching for over 6 months now. Only gotten a couple of interviews and sent out hundreds of resumes. I feel like we're doing something wrong because I've always read/heard that people with this major should be...
  26. A

    A puzzling dilemma between a safe future job and physics

    Hello there, I am looking for possible advice from people more versed than I about my current situation. A bit of overview of where I am currently standing: I am 18 and recently started serving in the army - that is, mandatory army. I got accepted to a good computing & security unit after...
  27. PhysixChick

    Physics What is the true value of a career in physics compared to engineering?

    I'm an undergrad physics major, and I constantly hear from peers and outside sources that physics majors have eight years of schooling, and get paid like dang, and that it's hard to find a job as a research physicist (that's what I want to do). I'm wondering why people say this though, because I...
  28. planethunter

    Is a Career at SpaceX Worth Leaving a Stable Job for?

    Hello everyone…I want to get some feedback on a possible career decision looming ahead for me. I will be in-person interviewing next week at SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA for a Business IT position. I am currently employed in a stable government job (with the same title) with good benefits, good pay...
  29. C

    Should I Apply for a Lab Job Before Starting CLS Program?

    Hello everyone. I have a quick question, not really about any career field but about a specific issue in job interviews. I received my bachelor’s degree in biology in 2013, but plan to go back to school in the fall to study clinical lab science, with the goal of working in a hospital lab. Right...
  30. Y

    How are the job prospects with both IE and ME master degrees

    Hello everyone, first please accept my sincere greeting. I finished my 4-year undergraduate study at the top 1 university of China (Tsinghua University) in 2012, majoring in Mechanical engineering (concentration is thermal and heat transfer). After that I came to Purdue University and got a...
  31. grandpa2390

    Those of you who found a job with just a B.Sc in Physics

    This question has been asked, but the thread is kind of old, so I am starting a new one. I am going to be graduating soon. and I will have to find a job. Just curious where and what I should be applying to. I got a Physics degree because I wanted to keep my options open. I don't care what I...
  32. M

    Job prospects with Masters in Applied Mathematics

    I am at starting to become increasingly worried and I need help/advice/what ever you can give me. My major is mathematics, I will be getting a BS in it next year. I have an interest in Analysis and Probability and will be taking a years sequence in Integration and Measure that year. My...
  33. L

    Physics Is job of physicist even a "realistic" expectation?

    Hi, I am really really stuck on my life-decision (look at my previous posts). I do REALLY LOVE PHYSICS A LOT. I want to be able to work in the next big thing - Quantum Computation, Theory Of Everything and so on. I am passionate about physics it grabs my interest straight away. I am only 15, I...
  34. B

    Should I apply for a job I don't want?

    My temporal agreement is coming to an end and there's an opening in Supply Chain for a bit higher pay grade. However, I'd like to work as a Project Engineer more but there're no openings. Should I apply for the job anyways just to gain some more experience in a hope to move up in the future?
  35. S

    Other Guy Spent $37K on CompSci Degree & Can't Get Job at Best Buy

    http://www.businessinsider.com/profile-of-corinthian-student-michael-adorno-2015-4 Saw this today. :confused:
  36. A

    Don't like my job even though it could aid me later Help

    Hi my name is Alex and I have the goal of becoming an engineer. Either mechanical or biomedical. I like medical and technical things so I feel biomedical would be awesome. Get to help people but use my brain to solve complex problems and be creative. Anyways, my problem is that I am an...
  37. A

    Balancing Stress in Medical Physics: From Grad School to Residency and Beyond

    Hello, I'm currently in the middle of my graduate studies in medical physics (first year of Master's degree). The program has a reputation among past M.Sc. students of having a very demanding first year in terms of course content. While I'm having success in terms of GPA (3.8 last semester)...
  38. EternusVia

    Intensive GRE study or job over summer?

    Hello all, I'm going into my senior year of applied mathematics this coming Fall semester. My adviser recommended that I take the GRE before Fall semester starts so that I can have my Grad school applications in by the December deadline. My question is as follows: Would it be better to study...
  39. M

    Becoming a Physics Professor: Advice for OSU First-Year Student

    I'm currently a first-year student at OSU, and I'm a physics major. My first semester I got 2 C's and an A(college was harder than I expected and I didn't study a lot). This semester I am doing much better in my classes, getting close to straight A's but I was talking to someone and they said...
  40. A

    Accelerator summer job for an EE student?

    As I'm looking for summer research opportunities and internships, I noticed that the physics department at my university offers summer jobs to students (I'm guessing physics students) at our accelerator center (which focuses I believe mainly on ion beam analysis). Now, I'm an EE major. I plan...
  41. I

    What sort of summer job should I get?

    I am currently a first year undergraduate majoring in physics and mathematics. I plan on applying to several different physics (and possibly math) internships/undergraduate research position next year. Before I begin applying I would however like to 'beef up' my CV, so I plan on obtaining some...
  42. _N3WTON_

    Top Interview Tips for Nailing Your Next Job - Expert Advice and Strategies"

    Hello all, I am making this thread because I have just bombed yet another job interview (for a job I very much wanted) so I want to ask for some advice. First, I should say my qualifications (IMO) are very good, I double major in MechE and Mathematics at a prominent university and hold a 3.8...
  43. C

    Navigating the Job Prospects of a PhD in Physics: Exploring Science Policy

    I am in flux at the moment. On one hand I am concerned about the job prospects of a PhD in physics. On the other hand, one of these articles I've read about non-research jobs that can be done with a PhD in physics is science policy. 1. What skills, other than communication (both oral and...
  44. M

    What is my future after studying Theoretical Physics?

    Hi everybody! I'm an Italian high-schooler (but I'm living in California for an exchange year) and I love Physics. I decided kinda 6 years ago that I was going to study Physics at the University, and only now I started deciding the field of physics (but I'm still not sure if Cosmology...
  45. TNesher

    Engineering Is structural engineering worth it?

    Hi, Right now I am in my 3rd year of a dual construction management and environmental engineering degree. I have an interest in building things (both design & construction), but more important to me is a career with a high income and quality of life. I am debating between a structural...
  46. grandpa2390

    Programs What kind of job can I get while working on my degree?

    So I was curious if there is any kind of jobs, besides internships, that a physics major might be suitable for. my gpa is pretty sad due to a combination of bad professors and me not dropping their courses. but I am not going to quit just because of my gpa. my advisor recommended graduate...
  47. T

    Engineering Can't find a Job in Engineering, what to do?

    Hi, I took electrical engineering but I've been having a hard time finding employment, its been nearly 4 months since I graduated. I think it comes down to a lack of experience in anyone area. A lot of experience I had was self guided and to be honest, half assed, I did two coops with an actual...
  48. C

    Need Help Finding a Job with a Physics Degree? Here's What You Need to Know

    Hello everyone, Four years ago I went into physics because I was curious and had nothing else to do. As I continued I was pushed and pushed to attend graduate school. For most of my college life I thought that I did want to attend graduate school. However, now that I have decided to think for...
  49. S

    A possible job in optoelectronics

    Hello, my Italian company is looking for a person with a physics degree or equivalent (at least master of science), skilled and experienced in optoelectronics, in particular in communications applications. Can you suggest me where can I find this kind of profile? Which website can be used for...
  50. A

    What's the job market like in computational science?

    I was just looking at graduate programs in computational science. I understand that it's a broad term that encompasses a wide variety of fields. Right now I'm an undergraduate in electrical engineering, and I plan on going to graduate school. The computational science programs caught my eye...
Back
Top