What Are Jobs and Professions?

From the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep, dozens of people's jobs have helped make your day possible — the farmer who grew your breakfast, the driver who brought it to the store, the grown-up who is helping you learn. Every job matters!

What is a job?

• A job is regular work that a person does in exchange for money (wages or salary).
• People do jobs to earn money to pay for the things their families need — food, housing, clothing, and more.
• A profession is a type of job that usually requires special training or education, such as becoming a doctor, lawyer, or engineer.

Jobs that keep us safe and healthy

• Doctor / Nurse — examines patients, diagnoses illnesses, and provides medical treatment to keep people healthy.
• Police Officer — enforces laws, protects the community, and responds to emergencies.
• Firefighter — puts out fires and responds to all kinds of emergencies to keep people safe.

Jobs that help us learn and grow

• Teacher — helps children and adults learn new skills, subjects, and ideas.
• Librarian — organizes and provides access to books, resources, and information for the community.

Jobs that build and create

• Farmer — grows crops and raises animals to produce the food that communities need.
• Construction Worker — builds and repairs buildings, roads, and bridges that communities use every day.

Why every job matters

• Communities need many different jobs to function well — no single job is more important than all the rest.
• Jobs are interdependent: the work each person does helps others do their own jobs, creating a web of cooperation.