1.
regular employment, steady job
A stable, permanent job as opposed to temporary or irregular work. Often appears in the negative — not having a steady job.
定職に就く。
To get a steady job.
彼は定職に就かずにアルバイトをしている。
He works part-time without having a regular job.
定職がないと住宅ローンの審査に通りにくい。
Without a steady job, it's hard to pass a housing loan screening.
USAGE:
定職 is most commonly used in the phrase 定職に就く (to get a steady job) or in the negative 定職に就いていない (to not have a steady job). The lack of a 定職 carries social stigma in Japan, where stable employment is highly valued.
COLLOCATIONS:
- 定職に就く — to get steady employment
- 定職がない — to have no steady job
- 定職を持つ — to hold a regular job
NOTE:
Do not confuse with 定食 (set meal), which is a homophone with a completely different meaning.