a) the usual occupation, that is, that in which the respondent was occupied during most of the year, even if, on the date of the Census, he or she is unemployed, on vacation, prisoner awaiting judgment, or doing temporary work, as is common among farm workers who, at certain times of the year, work in sugar plants, processing machines, etc.

One should not confuse habitual occupation with professional specialization. For example, a bank manager or a high-school teacher who is a trained physician or lawyer will declare his or her habitual occupation, and not the profession in which he or she is licensed and/or trained (physician or lawyer).

Vague and generic expressions should not be accepted, such as Farm Worker, Assistant, Commercial Worker, Teacher, Bank Worker, Government Employee, Factory Worker, Worker, Domestic Help, Liberal Professional, or Military Man to identify occupations. The correct recording would be: Foreman, Field Hand, Cowboy, Office Assistant, Statistical Assistant, Salesperson, Cashier, Traveling Salesman, Primary Teacher, High-school Teacher, College Teacher, Office Boy, Administrative Official, Scribe, Accountant, Chemist, Economist, Engineer, Hackler (Flax Comber), Welder, Boilersmith, Overseer, Carpenter, Hod Carrier, Cook, Nanny, Physician, Lawyer, Priest, Captain, etc.

b) the occupation exercised on the date of the Census, when the new occupation, different from the usual, has been taken up as definitive;

c) first time, when the person is looking for work for the 1st time.

Respondents who exercise two or more economic occupations concurrently should indicate that which occupies most of their time.