The New Underemployment: Degree Got You the Job, But Not the Title or the Money

Not all academic degrees - undergraduate, graduate and professional - are unmarketable. And a liability to include in your job-search materials.

Here on Reddit there's presented another aspect of investing in a fine education. That might be called The New Underemployment. Yes, what you majored in got you the job. But in terms of the title and compensation it's significantly below expectations. A typical blurb on that kind of Reddit posting:

*******************************

BS Molecular and Cellular Biology

R&D, QC/QA, and now lead of a new manufacturing department to make our IND. Built the team and department from scratch.

$51k/yr. Title and pay greatly deflated compared to what I actually do.

*******************************

The same playout is in other sectors. Take the BA or even the MA in Communications. With exceptions, you do get work but it probably doesn't come with the status title or with a living wage. Yet, here's the rub. This situation is being made known on professional anonymous networks. However, on those same networks are earnest questions about which communications degrees programs should the person apply for.

The more raw playout is no job or contract assignments in which you studied. Even in STEM fields, which were supposed to be so marketable, graduates could be doing generic retail or fast food jobs. 

It's worse for the aging. Often their long years on a career path such as management consulting have no on-ramp to something else in knowledge work. Former consultants I have coached have been "forced" to create their own businesses. Often the service or product has nothing to do with erudite cognitive processes. 

I tell this to youth and their parents: Sure, it's great to invest in a classical education. But it's reckless to go into that expecting it to contain a career path. 

Public high schools need to be overhauled to provide that same type of education, along with training in skills that can be sold on the labor market at graduation. Until that happens, consider a community college which provides hands-on training and certifications. Or go directly to a trade school, something such as becoming licensed for long distance driving or certified in auto mechanics. More of my clients pushed out of management are doing just that.

Success is a mental game. Failure comes from being done in by the “committee” in your head.

Together, we liberate your thinking. Then we change your story. And, unleash success.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, becoming a solopreneur and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. Zero risk.

Don’t give up before the miracle.


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