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In this article, we’ll explore some ideas on how to identify underemployment, talk to a potential employer, and provide actionable advice to help you escape the cycle of underemployment.
What is Underemployment?
Underemployment occurs when an unemployed individual is working in a job that doesn't fully utilize their skills, qualifications, or experience. This can happen to manifest in various ways:
- Skill Mismatch: You may be overqualified for the position you hold. For example, you might have a degree in engineering but are working as a retail cashier.
- Reduced Hours: You might be working part-time when you want to work full-time or have a contract that doesn't give you enough hours to meet your financial needs.
- Low Pay: Your income might not reflect the level of work you do, leaving you financially insecure and possibly struggling to meet your personal or family obligations.
Underemployment can be a frustrating and demotivating experience for most people. However, with the right approach, it’s possible to turn things around and move a person toward a more fulfilling career. The key is to take proactive steps and seek opportunities for growth, whether through skill-building, networking, volunteer experience or pursuing a new career path.
Why is Underemployment Common?
Underemployment is a widespread problem in the world of many countries and economies. There are several reasons why people find trouble finding themselves in underemployed positions:
- Economic Conditions: In times of economic downturn, businesses may hire fewer full-time workers or reduce hours for existing employees. This can leave many workers struggling to find meaningful full-time work.
- Job Market Discrepancies: Sometimes, the demand for jobs in specific fields may be lower than the number of qualified candidates. In such cases, workers might settle for lower-paying or part-time positions, even if their skills and experience are a better fit for more advanced roles.
- Lack of Experience or Networks: Many job seekers, especially those just starting their careers, face challenges in landing full-time positions in their field. Without enough experience or a strong professional network, they may have no choice but to take on temporary, low-paying jobs while searching for more suitable roles.
- Personal Circumstances: In some cases, workers might choose to take part-time or lower-paying jobs to balance personal obligations such as caring for family members or pursuing education.
Suggestions for Improving Your Situation
If you are underemployed, it’s important to take an active role in improving your circumstances. While the path forward may not always be immediately clear, there are several strategies you can employ to increase your chances of finding fulfilling, well-paid employment.
1. Assess Your Skills and Qualifications
The first step in moving out of underemployment is to assess your current skills and qualifications. Are there areas where you could improve? Are there skills that employers in your field are actively looking for? Take the time to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and seek opportunities for improvement.
For example, if you are in a technical field like computer programming, there are always emerging languages and technologies to learn. If you’re in a creative field, improving your portfolio with new projects or certifications can help increase your value. There are many online courses taking classes, workshops, and certifications that can help you level up your skills without having to wait to go back to formal schooling.
2. Consider a Career Change
Sometimes, underemployment is a result of being in a career that no longer aligns with your interests, skill set, strengths, or the job market. If you find yourself in this situation, consider exploring new industries or career paths that may offer better opportunities.
For example, if you’ve been working in a company in an administrative role since several years ago and feel you have a passion for technology, transitioning to tech-related positions like coding, web design, or IT management could be a great idea fulfilling move.
A career change doesn’t have to mean starting a whole job hunting a new skill, from scratch — many skills are transferable across industries, and it’s often possible to leverage your existing expertise to break into a new field. Taking a career assessment test or speaking with a career coach can also help you identify potential career shifts that align with your skills and interests.
3. Leverage Your Network
Networking plays a critical role in overcoming underemployment. It’s often not just about what you know but who you know. Reaching out to people within your professional network or attending industry events can help you discover new job opportunities and open doors to higher-paying, more fulfilling roles.
Consider creating a LinkedIn profile if you haven’t already. LinkedIn is a valuable platform for building connections with professionals in your field, and it can help you get noticed by recruiters. Additionally, consider attending conferences, seminars, and meetups where you hope you can meet smart people, who might offer job leads or career advice.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to former company colleagues, mentors, friends, or industry friends and contacts for advice or potential job leads. Let people know you're interested in actively seeking better opportunities, and you might be surprised by the support that comes your way.
4. Update Your Resume and Tailor It to the Job
If you’re underemployed, it’s crucial to have an up-to-date resume that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements. Your resume should reflect your capabilities and emphasize the qualifications you bring to the table every you find a job interview, even if your current job doesn’t fully utilize them.
Take the time to update your resume to reflect recent achievements, certifications, and any transferable skills you’ve gained over several or years ago. Additionally, make sure your resume is personally tailored to each job you apply for. Each role will require a slightly different approach, so customizing your resume for each position is important.
5. Consider Freelancing
If you are unemployed or underemployed but have the skills to offer freelance work, this could be a great way to supplement your income and gain experience in your desired field. Freelancing also provides the flexibility to take on projects that align with your interests past experience and expertise, allowing you to explore other potential career paths without fear of fully committing to a new job right away.
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer can help connect you with clients looking to hire you for specific services, from writing and design to marketing and software development. While freelancing might not provide the stability of a full-time job, it can offer valuable experience and help you build a stronger portfolio, which can be helpful when seeking traditional employment.
6. Stay Positive and Be Persistent
Underemployment and unemployment can be discouraging, but it’s important to maintain a positive mindset throughout your job search and career development. Don’t get disheartened by setbacks or rejections — they will happen and are part of the process. Persistence, resilience, and patience are key when working your way out of unemployment and underemployment.
Conclusion
Being underemployed is a difficult situation, but it’s not permanent. By assessing your skills, expanding your network, and taking steps to upgrade your qualifications, you can position yourself for more fulfilling and rewarding work in unemployed long term.
If you're ready to take the next step in your career, start by updating your resume. A strong, well-crafted resume is often the first impression employers have of you, so make sure it highlights your skills and experiences effectively. Start building your resume with Resume Builder and take the first step toward a brighter career!
