overqualified

**Posts:** 74 · by **turtleswim** » Mon Jul 06, 2015 8:01 pm

I learned a painful lesson this fourth of July weekend about being overqualified. I have a college degree. I was working as a dishwasher in a restaurant. The staff hated me because I was obviously aiming low in life by accepting such a job. Instead of encouraging me by saying, "Man, you should go out and get a real professional job that you are suited for instead of this bottom of the barrel type job," they communicated simply through verbal aggression. I was called a whole batch of nasty names until I realized that I was not wanted any more. Instead of reacting or acting hurt, I just called the owner and quit. I know I have to step up and be brave to be a professional. Now I know it is unwise to forget the past, forget my qualifications, forget the fact that I can make this world better. It is painful and joyful at the same time. Losing a job causes pain so I will watch some sunsets and keep a journal to stay on track with a healthy productive life. I realize I am doing my self harm by taking low end jobs when I could be doing something much better. Has anyone here been cut off from a job through verbal aggression? It hurts, but I know that it is silly to expect people to speak in purely compassionate tones. It's a jungle out there.

**Posts:** 12131 · by **Richard@DecisionSkills** » Mon Jul 06, 2015 8:22 pm

I remember the good ole' days of washing dishes and cooking fast food. Working at Charlie's Chicken was one of my very first jobs.

You did not lose your job. You quit.

Why would they say, "Man, you should go out and get a real professional...."? How did your coworkers even know you were overqualified in order to make such a statement of support?

Is it possible you were not very compassionate towards your coworkers? Is it possible in wanting them to wish you support, that instead it came across as gloating or holding yourself above them? Maybe not. Maybe you were very sweet with them and respectful of them working "bottom of the barrel" jobs and you just happened to mention to them how you want to get a professional job and needed some encouraging words.

Well, I'm sure you were very nice and somehow they found out you have a college degree and I guess they took that the wrong way and decided to call you names. That is unfortunate. Of course there could be other reasons they called you nasty names and then there is also the reality that when you do find a "professional" job that those professional people will also call you nasty names. Or do you think in a professional environment name calling and office politics do not occur?

It is nice that you have the luxury to quit your job. A lot of people are not so fortunate. Best of luck in your professional search.

**Posts:** 5 · by **ishere** » Wed Jul 22, 2015 11:19 pm

I'd say in my experience at least for a while hard graft and effort focuses the mind but you end up just doing far more than everyone else thinks necessarily good for you or the team lol sometimes people just like to plod on easy money rock not the boat.
find some other job before it gets silly and too much.
Good luck

**Posts:** 24 · by **manifestmillennial** » Sat Jan 16, 2016 7:42 pm

It's a tough professional world out there - coming from someone who's always been UNDER qualified. Never ever let your past experience in the form of credentials let it affect your work ethic. If your work ethic was strong you would do what you had to do (accept that job) until you found something new, or not accepted the job at all. Don't ever think you're better than any job, regardless of your credentials. Stay humble. Stay grateful. Work hard.

**Posts:** 6 · by **evenflowcc** » Tue Feb 02, 2016 6:04 pm

This one is tough for me because I've been working a job that makes me unhappy for quite some time. It was a means to an end though. There was a tuition reimbursement plan and I was able to get a master's degree. The job gave me a chance to work on another business that does make me happy. That business isn't self sufficient yet but I gave my notice yesterday because I need to be happy again. Incredibly motivating to make the other business successful as well. Good luck.

**Posts:** 30 · by **johnarkad** » Thu Jul 07, 2016 4:35 pm

You don't deserved them. Its good you go out from there.

Dont be afraid to try,Aim high.

"You are capable of more than you know. AIM HIGH, PERSIST!
the world needs all you can give"-E.O Wilson

overqualified

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