Underemployed? Here Are Three Things You Should Do

It is important to remember that being underemployed is not only common but also not something to be ashamed about. No work is lesser than any, whether you're working in a fast food sector or you work from home as a freelance blogger. What is important, therefore, is to not sell yourself short and do these three things.

Being underemployed is becoming pretty common, especially in India. Many millennials have degrees and skills that don't relate to the level of work they are doing. Many PhD graduates, for example, are working as freelance bloggers earning little to nothing. The job market and the economy is such that underemployment is now most people's reality. However, it is important to not be ashamed of your work. You shouldn't take on a self-depreciating tone while talking about yourself.

What It Means To Be Underemployed

If you are working a low-paying job that does not fully utilize your skills and education, you are underemployed. Underemployment has become a major concern lately and puts a question mark on a person's capabilities. In India, according to several reports, underemployment is the main problem with the country's economy, and not unemployment. Also, the gender factor is at play here as well. More women than men are underemployed, surveys find. Moreover, millennials have the highest rate of underemployment as well.

The job market and the economy is such that underemployment is now most people's reality. However, it is important to not be ashamed of your work. You shouldn't take on a self-depreciating tone while talking about yourself.

Being underemployed can make you feel tired, cranky and bored at work. You may feel like your full potential is not being used. Underemployment can also bring about shame. You might be embarrassed to talk to family and friends about your work. It can become hard talking about what you currently do in job interviews if you feel like your work is not of much worth. However, it is important to remember that underemployment is not only common but also not something to be ashamed about. While work is lesser than any, it is important, to not sell yourself short, or hesitate to seek better opportunity.

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Avoid Using 'Just' and 'Only'

When people are underemployed, they tend to use words like 'just', 'only' or 'little' while talking about their work. They might say things like, "I'm only working on this until something better comes along" or "I'm just helping them out". Such statements give the impression that you don't care about your work. It can sound like you don't value the work you are doing and are just looking for something better.

A trivial attitude towards current work is not appreciated by hiring managers. Even if you're working as a volunteer, or earning very little, showing appreciation and respect for your work goes a long way.

Don't Fixate On Your Pay

What we are paid is very important in today's world to secure a living. But being underemployed means that your pay will be lesser than you expect. It probably won't match up to your skills or your education level. However, it is important not to measure your own worth by what you are being paid. Think of it like this: Social activists and people who volunteer to make the world a better place are often the least paid. Does that make their work any less valuable? No matter what you're being paid, your work is still important and you should respect it, as well as yourself.

READ ALSO: Center To Incentivise Work From Home To Empower Women 

Use Your Time Productively

If you're underemployed, you probably have more free time than you would at a normal job. Use this time - join a class that teaches Search Engine Optimization or Business Communication. Skills like those are useful in the long-run, not just to your future job prospects but even for bettering your current one. Another option is to take up a side hustle. Almost everyone these days is involved in some sort of side hustle. Some people bake and sell cakes, some do embroidery and some have their own blog. Find what you're good at, and try to find a way to monetize from it in a way that brings you joy.

READ ALSO: 8 Effective Ways To Stay Productive 

Picture Credit: The New Daily

Prapti is an intern at SheThePeople.TV