Lost in all the unemployment headlines is the fact that underemployment in the United States has now reached its highest recorded level. Underemployment hit 14% in January 2009 and that figure is significantly understated.
A quick look at the US Government's measurement reveals why.
The underemployed includes three population groups:
1. Unemployed workers (increasing at an alarming pace of 600,000 downsized employees a month).
2. Jobless workers who are no longer actively seeking employment ("marginally attached" workers).
3. Part-time employees seeking full-time work ("involuntary" part-time workers).
What is noticeably missing in this measurement are the millions of full-time workers who are overqualified (and likely underpaid) for the work they are currently doing.
How many professionals with advanced degrees are now accepting hourly labor to have full-time work? How many employees have more experience than their manager? Or, for that matter, have more experience than their manager's boss?
As a social media experiment, I have started a Facebook group called "I am UNDERemployed in America. Stand Up and be Counted" to give a voice to the millions of underemployed workers in America.
Monday, February 9, 2009
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I have been unemployed and underemployed for about 20 years. I don't have that magical piece of paper called a four year degree (even though I am consistently going through continuing education to keep up with what the market in my field of experience is doing). But, what I do have is a proven track record of running circles around those that do have them, by virtue of the many letters of recommendation and letters of commendation.
ReplyDeleteI keep working with in-between part-time positions that have allowed me to continue to keep my bills payed on time and feed my family. I don't wallow in bad thoughts of what has happened to me, I keep focused on the goal ahead of me, providing for my family.
I find it very important to keep focused on the task at hand, finding the next opportunity. To do that, you need a great support group around you. If you think that you can handle this on your own, think again. I have yet to see a maverick succeed to any great extent without soon falling back to where they started.
Yes, it frustrating. Yes, it is discouraging, but you must keep going. Others depend on you, besides taking proper care of yourself. Stay busy, don't succumb to lying around and watching TV or surfing the net. Now is the time to be creative like you have never been before. Research target companies, make a cold call (for an informational interview or a lead to another company that could use your expertise. Network through business groups, print out your own business cards and hand them out.
If people don't know you are looking, how are you going to land that next position?
Good Hunting!
The following response was posted to my same question in LinkedIn:
ReplyDeleteUnderemployment is horrible. I know we're in the beginning. Grad 2008, but there's very little to grab for. I got frustrated last month and decided to start my own web show because no-one can hire, or will, why not at least make something instead of feel bad for the situation. LA especially because of this SAG situation.
People are feeling the pinch. To everyone out there, especially grads, make stuff. If your portfolio isn't bulging with Warner Bros logos and big budget projects. Get to cooking!!!
Its all in what you make. No-one cares if you say you can. They want to see it and see who watches it!
Good luck folks.
The following response was posted to my same question in LinkedIn:
ReplyDeleteNow I know most people are not going to agree with me to an extent, but I do believe you make your own way.
One opportunity can create many more. Take your current opportunity, no matter how unimportant/insignificant you may think it is at this time, and see what you can create from it. It's a really fun game when you get down to it.
My sympathy goes out to all those that are raising a family and cannot afford your current situation. Just know that there are a lot of these people in the same situation, and all and all, your determination to succeed will always bring about an opportunity which contains more creation; fundamental evolution. (philosophical yet true)
Hope the best!
The following response was posted to my same question in LinkedIn:
ReplyDeleteI am currently in the internet marketing business and very active with several chambers of commerce and other networking groups. I can not express how many people come to an event who talk about needing a job as they were in a certain profession that basically doesn't exist now and are working at Target or Starbucks.
I know a lot of underemployed people are working in the service industry because so many of the high school age kids around are unable to find a job (my step-son included) as either no one is hiring or they rather hire a 30 year old with a flexible schedule over a teen who can only work until 9 or 10 pm and only after school.
I do agree that you can make a job an opportunity and a career but being underemployed (which I have spent time doing) is very hard on your self esteem and self worth. I respect those people who are doing what they can to pay their bills and at least trying. I also feel their pain in working in a "job" rather than their "career". It's depressing to do something because you have to do it instead of because you love doing it.
It's tough out there and I wish you all perseverance in your searches.