By Danielle Bosley, Toronto Financial Recruiter
Are you underemployed? There are many professionals in today’s workforce who are classified as being underemployed. There are just as many who are unsatisfied with their current role and are interested in making a career move.
While the unemployment rate is comparatively low, it doesn’t reflect the types of jobs people have. Having a job is one thing, but having a job that matches your skills and experience is one challenge many professionals face.
Types of Underemployment
There are a number of different situations where a professional could be considered underemployed. The most common include:
- Lower pay scale: You are a skilled professional in a low paying position.
- Lower skills level or job title: You are a skilled professional working in a lower job grade or title.
- Wrong industry: You are working in a job that is not in your field of expertise.
- Working fewer hours: You work part time or are on contract but want full time work.
Signs You Are Underemployed
Are you underemployed? Do you have the signs of not being in a job that meets your experience and skill level? Here are some common signs you may be underemployed:
- Your job is too easy
- You are not happy with your current role
- You feel embarrassed in your current role
- You’ve been in the same role for a long time
- You can’t remember the last time you learned something new
- You have more experience than coworkers who share the same role
- You are in a role that doesn’t offer advancement opportunities
How to Stop Being Underemployed
If you feel like you are underemployed, you have a choice to make – accept your current fate or decide to do something about it. You can improve upon your current career position by doing the following:
- Take action: If you want to change your current situation, you need to take the initiative. The actions you will need to take will depend on your job type, industry, and many other factors. Start by researching potential steps you can take to find a job that is more appropriate for your skills and experience.
- Work with a recruiter: Recruiters can be an invaluable resource to help you advance your career. They can not only help you find opportunities but can also help you assess your skills and the types of jobs you qualify for.
- Make networking a priority: Networking remains one of the most underrated job strategies. Make networking part of your job search. It can provide you with hot leads that could quickly result in job interviews.
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