Professionalism in work, means in work objectives, the way it is executed, implemented and presented to stakeholder (internal or external).
Categories of professions:
1. government sector,
2. private sector or
3. self owned.
You can be a programmer in govt or private sector. But expectations changes in both.
If you are in govt services/defence, then, it’s a way of living. Think before joining there. Each day in these services molds one in a form, by training’s and education or services they do. Profession is embedded in their souls in these services & are not easy. Personal rules are said or unsaid, but needed here.
Private Sector: Work professionally to attain professional goals of producing the best class product you can make. These are your aims, you choose where to join, to achieve professional aims. But here, once work time over, you are free to do what and how you like.
If work ethics not maintained the quality is effectived. If no quality what for one works?
Self Owned Profession: Milder on personal self. Here no one would stop you the way you greet another person, how you walk, talk, this can’t govern you what and how you have your lunch, these are personal choices. what you make, how small or how large, is your choice.
So go through and decide where you want to fit in. The same profession can be almost carried out in all the three broad categories.