ABSTRACT
Work in its generic form is ubiquitous and encompasses almost everything we do. At the same time, all through the course of its evolution, work has been transformed by revolutions, molded by ideologies, and shaped by the tenets of a variety of philosophies yielding diverse culturally mediated approaches to work. This essay proposes that while the emergence of occupations is a universal phenomenon, the practice of occupations has differentiated into the livelihood and careerist modes of engagement. The common understanding is that livelihood is related to survival needs and is largely practiced by poorer folk such as farmers, artisans, and skilled workers, and mainly in rural areas. Career on the other hand is linked to middle and higher social classes and urban lifestyles and is portrayed as offering better opportunities for higher incomes. Career carries stronger connotations of prestige. Indeed, the drive to abandon rural livelihoods and move toward a “better future” in the city has been a persistent one. However, a livelihood is not just a means of earning money and achieving financial security. It goes deeper and is rooted in a way of living. This essay explores the dynamic tensions between livelihood and career as forms of work.
