Job Vs. Career?

So, I got into this debate with my mom over the difference between a job and a career. I have been saying "no" to opportunities that I feel are just jobs. Grunt work. Some don't even pay well. She asked me if I was sure that that was the right thing to do. She thinks that they may be a good opportunity for my future career. I'd rather take a job right now that will help my current career. I want growth within a company. I don't want to be looking for a new job in a couple of months...