How to Avoid Underemployment

This year, the unemployment rate in Arizona has been the lowest in a decade, dropping almost 6% from 2009. Though this statistic is motivating, many factors contribute to professional struggles, including underemployment.

Several factors may identify underemployment:

• Overqualification
• Underpayment
• Lack of challenge in your work
• Feeling disengaged in your role
• Insufficient work hours (less than 40 per week)
• Working several jobs to make ends meet

Underemployment may pose a serious problem if it persists for years, especially for those who have temporarily left school or occupational training to enter the workforce. If you think that you’re underemployed, there are steps you can take to advance your career path and fully utilize your education and skills.

Research the Industry

One way to beat underemployment is to know your facts. Take time to research your industry, job title, trajectory, and outlook, and the salary range for your region and experience level. You can use this information to negotiate for a pay increase that is aligned with your skills and meets industry standards. If you’re unsure of your next career step, research can also ensure that you land a job that is suited for you and adds value to your livelihood. By learning about all the requirements of a position, you can avoid a situation that leaves you disengaged or unmotivated in the future.

Update Your Resume

When you initially began your job search, your resume may have been relevant to career trends and helped you land a position. Underemployment can occur when you have an outdated resume that does not outline your recent education, skills, and experience. It is crucial to revise your resume to reflect your current standing. The Goodwill Career Centers are an excellent resource to assist in reviewing your resume. At the career center, resume development and critique are available to all job seekers.

Stay Motivated

Overqualification is another pitfall that can contribute to underemployment. If you’re so well-versed at your job, that nothing challenges or surprises you anymore – this may be a sign that it is time to seek other opportunities. Too much experience or too many certifications for your title and rank, not only prevents better-suited employees from acquiring the role, but it also creates stagnation in the workplace. It is essential to continually assess whether the position you’re applying for (or your current role) presents a challenge and room to grow in the future.

Take a Class

Many industries are changing quickly – by way of technological advances, new protocol, and updating old systems and processes that no longer benefit the company. A way to avoid underemployment is to invest your time in taking online courses, earning relevant certifications, and furthering your education. Brushing up on your skills will align your professional knowledge with changing trends and expectations. Continual education ensures that you remain an informed and valuable asset to the team as company needs shift.

Are you ready to continue your education and advance your career? Goodwill provides no-cost career services for anyone seeking employment or a higher-paying job. We offer job seekers the tools and resources to feel confidence, purpose-driven, and successful. Goodwill’s My Career Advisor is the best place to start if you’re looking for a job. Signing up is quick, easy, and free.