Occupation

An occupation is the regular activity through which a person earns a living or engages in work of significance. It typically refers to paid work but can include self-employment or voluntary service. An occupation combines duties, required skills, and contextual knowledge, and it often contributes to a person’s identity and social role. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with profession or career, though those terms can imply higher formal training or longer-term development.

Occupations occur within the broader labor market and are categorized by sectors such as agriculture, industry, and services. People may hold one occupation at a time or several over their lives, and they may work full-time, part-time, temporary, or as freelancers. Economic changes, technology, and globalization influence which occupations are in demand and how work is organized.

Classification systems exist to organize occupations for data collection and policy, including international frameworks like ISCO and national systems such as the SOC. These classifications describe common duties, skills, and education levels associated with occupational groups, helping to align training programs, job postings, and labor statistics.

Education and training for an occupation range from formal schooling and degrees to apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and professional certifications. Career development and guidance services help individuals plan skill acquisition, transitions between occupations, and adaptation to changing labor market requirements.

Occupations influence income, status, and social networks, and they intersect with broader issues of equality and labor rights. Mobility between occupations varies by country, sector, and individual circumstances. Trends such as automation, digital platforms, and remote work are reshaping how occupations are performed and how people enter and leave them.