Just stumbled upon a great post over on the JibberJobber blog, entitled “Paradigm Shifting: Job Search vs. Career Management.” It hits upon the same points about which we’ve been carping recently.

You shouldn’t be looking for a job or working a job. You should be managing your career. That way, everything becomes another step along your career path. Sometimes it’s a step forward, sometimes it’s a step back. Often, it’s a leap.

But it’s all on the same path.

Comparing “Job Search” to “Career Management” provides a great deal of clarity. To wit:

Job Search: I need something NOW (you know, mortgate, bills, mouths-to-feed, etc.) and am prepared to sacrifice what I really want to get what I need for now.

Career Management: My career is planned out – with flexibility. I won’t have control over everything but I know that my career is mine to own, and I’m making sure that I do everything I can to work towards my end goals.

You see, career management is about being involved in your career–taking control. Job search, on the other hand, is about being reactive and out of control.

I’d much rather you were in control, gentle reader.

So head on over to get more great insights. Well worth the read.