How is the overall *career* defined in contrast to a *career path*?

Answer

The totality of the individual's working life, encompassing every experience, role, and skill acquired

The text draws a significant distinction between a 'career path' and a 'career.' A career path is often viewed narrowly as a linear, predefined ladder or sequence of jobs within one structure (e.g., Junior Developer to Senior Developer). Conversely, the *career* is defined much more broadly as the sum total of an individual's professional life. This encompasses every experience, including formal roles, volunteer contributions, and all skills obtained, potentially across multiple organizations and even outside traditional employment. This broader definition supports intentional deviation, viewing the overall career as the entity being managed by development, not just adherence to a predetermined path.

How is the overall *career* defined in contrast to a *career path*?

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