Career Changers
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Posted By: Rachelle Akuffo on September 16, 2010 With new employment stats showing that people are being forced to take jobs they are overqualified for, we are being put in a difficult situation. With so much of our identity tied up in our careers we are having to choose between providing for ourselves and our families in the present, or striving against all odds to follow our dreams. Having to evaluate these choices, how do you manage? If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Rachelle Akuffo
Producer and Business Correspondent, China Central Television Howard University class of 1999 Member Since April 2009 |
Comments
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I think that we need to re-evaluate the concept of being "overqualified". I know many people that are highly skilled, but by circumstances or choice are working in a position with lower pay or prestige than they'd like. Most of our grandparents were overqualified for their jobs. Because of the environment in which they lived, they were constrained to jobs that some would consider beneath them, however in many cases they were able to use these jobs to attain a better life for themselves and their families. I think that we find ourselves in a similar situation today. Although our adversary is economics, not racism, the principle is the same. Despite our talent and ambition, we are sometimes called on to humble ourselves in order to invest in future opportunities. There is satisfaction to be found in any work, and sometimes we'll be surprised at the opportunities that present themselves through these positions. Even for those who don't necessarily enjoy their work, the privilege of receiving a living wage and meeting their financial opportunities can be satisfying in itself. We are not defined by our position or our salary. We are, however, defined by our work ethic and our discipline towards advancing in life. Tuesday, September 21st 2010 at 10:01PM |
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I agree. There's definitely a fine line between being too proud to do an honest day's work and being overqualified. A good friend of mine basically had her life fall apart when she was let go of from her job. She was so caught up in status, that it was a huge blow to her ego. While I was job-hunting, I volunteered, networked and treated looking for a job like a full-time job. There does seem to be an air of entitlement which seems to be stopping us from applying for available jobs we feel overqualified for. I think it's more of an emotional hurdle than anything else. We sometimes forget to use adversity as motivation.
Tuesday, September 21st 2010 at 10:48PM |
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