Work, careers and livelihood

Work is a purposeful activity performed to meet a need, produce goods or services, or achieve a goal. It may include household work, study-related tasks, self-employment, and paid employment. Rest alone is not work because it does not involve a work-related purpose. Exam tip: Do not restrict the meaning of work to a paid job only.

Livelihood meets life needs through income or means. In exams connect livelihood with sustaining life.

Career is linked with a person's long work journey and growth. In exams connect career with long-term goals.

Employment is linked with work that gives income or wages. In exams remember the difference between employment and general work.

In wage employment wages are received in return for work. In exams distinguish it from self-employment.

The first step in career planning is self-assessment: understanding one’s interests, abilities, aptitudes and limitations. This helps a person select career options that suit them. Copying others or choosing a career only because it is fashionable may not match an individual’s strengths. Exam tip: Write ‘self-assessment’ as the first stage of career planning.

Skills enable a person to perform a task correctly, efficiently and with better quality. Therefore, they improve both work performance and outcomes. Skills do not remove responsibility; responsible behaviour is also needed for good work. Exam tip: Skills are commonly linked with efficiency, quality and employability.

Vocational education prepares a person with work skills. In exams connect vocational education with skill development.

Temporary employment refers to work offered for a fixed or limited period, such as for a project, season, or contract. Therefore, option B is correct. Lifelong employment is closer to permanent employment, while income received without work is not employment. Exam tip: words such as “limited period” and “contract” usually indicate temporary employment.

Permanent employment may have more regular income. In exams consider stability as a main benefit.

Selling vegetables door to door can be an example of informal livelihood. In exams identify the informal sector by fewer formal rules.

The formal sector has clearer rules and conditions. In exams connect the formal sector with organized work.

Growing crops is work based on natural resources. In exams connect the primary sector with farming and resources.

The secondary sector includes manufacturing or processing. In exams identify it by raw material becoming a product.

Transport service is an example of the tertiary sector. In exams connect the tertiary sector with services.

Problem solving is an important employability skill. In exams understand employability as a set of skills.

Training can improve efficiency and safety. In exams connect training with skill improvement.

Internship gives real work experience. In exams connect internship with practical learning.

Communication clarifies ideas and instructions. In exams connect communication with teamwork.

Digital skills help in information and communication in modern work. In exams consider them modern skills.