Why this definition of a ‘job’ translates well for Africa

By Nvulane Nhlapo

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Photo by The Digital Marketing Collaboration on Unsplash
Photo by The Digital Marketing Collaboration on Unsplash

We often talk of creating jobs, looking for a job, finding work or having a career. This words seem easy to understand from the onset, but their definitions are clearly different.

While we strive for a purpose driven life, it’s important to revisit the definitions of these words and learn from the experts. Most importantly, for us in Africa, it’s imperative that we’re aware of a definition that depicts a clear picture of what a ‘job’ is in our context.

These definitions will also enable us to have a common understanding. They will allow us to all be on the same page when discussing issues relating to unemployment and creation of jobs in Africa.

Dr. Rob Yeung in his book, Job Hunting & Career Change presents some important pointers on the definition of ‘work’ and a ‘career.’

A helpful definition of ‘work’ is that it is the context in which you use your skills and talents in some way to give and (often) receive something of value, whether monetary, in kind, for your own satisfaction, or as a duty of care.

Dr. Rob Yeung continues to outline that having a ‘career’ on the other hand, means that you also make choices that allow you to build on the skills and abilities you use at work so that you can take on bigger and/or more demanding roles. These roles are usually associated with pay rises and improved benefits because you’re stretching the range of what you can offer and as an employee you can command more value in return.

Building your career may include self-employment and consultancy work where you create and generate opportunities for yourself in a broader market-place.

The African Development Bank Group Strategy for Jobs for Youth in Africa provides a definition based on the context of Africa. This is particularly important because they understand the realities of Africa and a one-size-fits-all definition is not inclusive.

The African Development Bank Group Strategy for Jobs for Youth in Africa highlights that the definition of a “job” is broader than a paid or salaried position. In Africa, this broader definition is vital given that most work on the continent is in the informal sector.

The African Development Bank Group Strategy for Jobs for Youth in Africa utilizes a definition based on the International Conference of Labour Statisticians, the 2013 World Development Report, Human Development Report 2015, and the ILO Decent work agenda, in line with the Goal 8 of the SDGs.

“Jobs are a formal or informal set of tasks performed for an employer or for oneself that generate income and do not violate fundamental rights and principles at work.”

The definition recognizes aspects beyond income which could relate to job satisfaction such as identity, status, dignity, and self-confidence. Jobs usually influence identities and how people relate to each other. A job increases an individual’s sense of their role in society and his/her perception of fairness.

Dr Rob Yeung asserts that not everyone wants a career in this sense and you may be happy to consider the work that you do as a lower priority in your life than, for example, your family or your commitment to your health. You may work simply to get enough money to fund the lifestyle that you want and so choose to invest most of your energy in areas that are more important to you than work.

All these aspects are particularly important for Africa’s youth.

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