Greetings to all! How have you been lately? Working hard or hardly working? There are many reasons to learn a new language: for leisure, traveling, studies, making new friends. But there is no denying that having a good command of the English language gives you a competitive advantage in the job market. I often ask my students: Do you need English for you job? How often do you speak English at work? Is communicating in English part of your job description? And that bears the question: when should we use job and when to use work? What’s the difference between the two? In some languages, they might even have only a single translation for it. Well, and this is why today’s post aims to focus on the meaning and usage of these two extremely relevant words to our professional lives. So let’s get to work?

JOB

it’s a countable noun.

it’s more specific: refers to regular paid employment, a function, a position

The difference between work and job

• Visit our webpage to check out any job openings available.
• Although Jules graduated in psychology, she never managed to get a job in that area.
• The opening of a new factory could help create over 300 jobs.
• Unemployment is on the rise again. There are simply no jobs for newly graduates. 
• Is it better to look for a job in the want ads or go to an agency? 
• A part-time job is ideal for college students.
• In order to live in Paris you really need a well-paid job. 
• Even though I hardly have any time off, I still love my job. 
• If you are unhappy you should quit your job.
• We expect you to take this job very seriously

WORK

both a verb and an uncountable noun

it’s more general: either your means to earn money or any activity you do that demands effort

• Jim could use a break. He’s been working too hard on his thesis lately.
• My grandpa spends his mornings working on his garden. 
• Working abroad is a great experience to have on your resumé.
• Their fortune is the result of hard work.
• How long have you worked for this company?
• Monet was such a talented artist. I simply love his work. 

it can also refer to the place where you work itself:

• I have to rush, otherwise I’ll be late for work.
• What time do you get off work today?
• My mom’s at work right now, can you come by later?
• We’re heading to the pub after work, do you want to join us?

You guys are doing a great job! Keep up the good work!