职业
zhíyè · HSK 3
occupation
💼 职 (duty/post) + 业 (trade/profession) = one's occupation
职 means official duty or post; 业 means trade, industry, or profession. Together 职业 is the trade that defines your post — your occupation or career. The English glosses 'iceman/mystery' look like noisy synonyms; the core sense is profession/vocation.
业 — top 业 (originally a notched board)
Originally a pictograph of a notched wooden board hung in ancient classrooms or temples to support bells and chimes. The notches inspired meanings of 'work' and 'profession,' as such boards were tools of trade and study. Today it means business, occupation, or undertaking.