Introduction:

It is common to think that occupation and profession are synonyms, but in reality there are significant differences between both terms. In this article we are going to explain what each one consists of and what differentiates them.

What is an occupation?

An occupation refers to a job or work activity that a person does to earn a living. It can be any task or function that we perform regularly and that allows us generate income. Examples of occupations may include manual labor, office work, construction work, customer service, sales, among others.

What is a profession?

On the other hand, a profession refers to a work activity that requires a specialized level of knowledge and skills, as well as specific training and professional regulation. Those who engage in a profession are known as professionals and examples may include doctors, lawyers, architects, engineers, among others.

What are the main differences between occupation and profession?

• Education and formation: While an occupation may not require specific academic training, a profession typically requires an undergraduate or graduate degree and specialized training in the relevant area.
• Regulation and standards: A profession is regulated by a professional body that establishes the norms and standards that professionals must meet in their performance, while occupations may not have specific regulation.
• Remuneration: In general, professions are more valued and better paid than occupations, because they require specialized training and skills.
• Responsibility: Professionals have greater responsibility in the performance of their tasks, which may even be legal or moral. In occupations the responsibility is less.

Conclusion:

In summary, while an occupation is a job or work activity that allows us to earn a living, a profession is a job that requires specialized training and skills, is regulated by a professional body and has greater responsibility. Both options are valid and necessary world work, and depend on the skills and preferences of each person.