A review of the meanings of work, career, occupation, and job begin this monograph, which takes up other concepts such as leisure, play, and avocation. Because the theoretical basis of career education is considered to be career development theory, the essay discusses life stages, developmental tasks, and career patterns. The implications of the highly industrialized nature of our society for careers and for career education are then examined, including the continuing need for people even in a largely automated economy. The importance of work to semi-skilled workers, office workers, executives, and professionals, as well as to youth, the elderly, the handicapped, ethnic minorities, and women is considered, along with the competing and complementary roles provided by the family, leisure, and civic life. That the increasing number of society-maintaining workers may find new life meanings through these aspects of their careers is taken into account, together with their implications for career education. The monograph concludes with a listing of six objectives of career education which are made necessary by the diverse meanings of work in our changing society. (Author/TA)