Can somebody define "professional"?

[Deja Q]

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/custom/msn/careeradvice/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=1024&SiteId=cbmsnhp41024&sc_extcmp=JS_1024_home1

All of us are talented in our own ways - musically, academically, socially, and even physically. The question is, are you talented professionally?

According to a recent survey by recruitment firm Manpower Inc., the answer is no.

(SNIP)

With demographics in the workers' favor, they have the upper hand over employers - if they have the required skills.

[Islander Expat]

1. I can define "expert"

Ex = a has been

Spirt = a drip under pressure

Expert.

[Fredda Weinberg]

2. I love hearing "you're the boss" from the guy who cuts my checks n/t

[SpiralHawk]

3. "I am a true example of professionierism, for examle." - Commander AWOL

"My sterling militaree kareer, for example, demostraights just what a reel professionalized militaree heerow is all about. Snort, snort, smirk. Yew all can have full confeedance that I am leeding our troops like a true republicon homelander cronee professionista, and that profits will be made Big Time for other 'eleete republicon cronees. Snort, sneer smirk."

- Commander AWOL

[ixion]

4. technically, it means you get paid to do something...

but there is a more esoteric level as well, that of acting in a professional manner, which is something akin to rules of etiquette.

[LWolf]

5. It depends on who you ask.

To some, myself included, it refers to the level of training and experience that you bring to the job, and the way you do the job.

To others, it refers to what you wear when you show up for work. For those who need a costume, rather than substance, to define people. Kind of like the primary process, come to think of it. ;)

I see that "teacher" is #2 on the "hardest job to fill" list. That's because not enough people, after seeing what is necessary beyond the college degree to obtain, and retain, a teaching license, what the work schedule, conditions, duties, and expectations are, and the level of pay received for the same, choose teaching as a career.

[treestar]

6. Having to use your own judgment in the course of your job

Having to make decisions on your own as part of the job. A professional has to do more than carry out someone else's plan or orders.