How to Deal with Being Underemployed

You may have heard of unemployment but what about underemployment? While you could be grateful to have a job—any job—it might also be stressful because you might be employed in a position that you are overqualified for. What could you do while you are underemployed to help you cope better and be proactive? Here are 5 tips . . .

Be the best that you can be. If you are currently bagging groceries as a former COO of a major company, bag well and hustle. Remember that even if you are underemployed, it does not matter what your job is—just do the best you can and exercise a strong work ethic. Fend off mental stagnation by committing to excellence and having a positive attitude.

Keep networking. Stay in touch with your previous co-workers via social media sites and court new, potential employers by sending out personalized requests on LinkedIn. Grow your social network and update your profile. Make sure that you have a professional headshot, your information is current, and add some visual touches as well. LinkedIn gives you the opportunity to build a portfolio of previous projects by just a click of your mouse. Use this chance to create a more diverse impression of yourself and set yourself apart from others in your field.

Go back to college. Use any spare time you may have now to finish up that degree you started years ago or earn a new one. With many online degree programs to fit your schedule and lifestyle, traditional programs aren’t your only option. Even if you enroll in a certificate program to tout yourself as an expert in a niche area, a college education may be a great way to increase future career possibilities.

Brush up on skills. Use volunteering as a way to hone skills and even learn new ones. If you are able to, volunteer in your industry. If you try new volunteer opportunities, then look at them as ways you might broaden your skill set. Say you are a social media expert. Volunteer to do some community marketing for a non-profit or small start-up. You could keep your abilities fresh while helping someone at the same time. It’s a win-win situation. 

Update your resume. Your resume is your work history on paper—or online if you choose to create an Internet version as well. Since you are underemployed, you probably want to be ready at a moment’s notice to hand out your resume if given the opportunity. Update it. It doesn’t matter if you are underemployed as long as you highlight skills and abilities that you have learned which could translate into your industry. For example, if you are currently working for a construction company as a laborer and you once worked in a major construction firm, include bullet points like:

·        Knows vendor scheduling

·        Understands sustainable building practices

·        Familiar with landscape hardiness zones

Include the above information in a Qualifications Summary section under your contact information and before your Mission Statement.

Being underemployed does not have to mean the end of your career. If you view it as a stepping stone to a better, more fulfilling role, you could maintain a more positive outlook on life while taking proactive steps to exceed expectations at your current place of employment. Leave the naysayers behind and focus on being grateful for having a job—even if it’s far from your dream career.

Pamela Rossow is a freelance writer who works with higher education clients such as eLearners. She is a native South Floridian who enjoys photography, literature, and hockey. You can follow her on Google+.