meaning - "make a change" or "make a difference"

I was reading a book with tests when I encountered this question:

< "If you quit your job, you'll have to make do with fewer material possessions. Those who've decided to (make a change/make a difference) like this don't seem to regret it.

Is there a difference in the meaning between "make a difference" and "make a change" ?

My guess is that making a difference is more than just a simple change and means making a significant change, however making a change is referring to just a simple change and nothing more. Am I right guys?

Answer

As far as I know, "make a change" means that you are making something different than how it was. You are CAUSING something.

"make a difference" literally means that the EFFECT is different than the original.

Eg:

He made a change with his new tactics. means that he tried differently. He made a cause. It does NOT really mean that his tactics caused an effect. The result might be the same irrespective of his new tactics.
His action is given emphasis.

He made a difference by changing his tactics. means that by changing his tactics, something different happened out and it would not have happened if he did not do that.
The result is given emphasis.