I flipped through the jobs section of the Roanoke Times. Okay, flipped is a bit strong for a six-page section which includes a full-page ad on the Roanoke Times jobs online job board, a half-page ad on the Roanoke Times jobs online job board, and a half-page ad on an upcoming career expo. That would make it a four-page job section with not a whole lot of jobs.
What happened to the days when a person did not have to have 20 years experience and 3 Master’s degrees in order to find a decent job?
As I am looking at all the positions I do not qualify to apply I cannot help but wonder what happened to the days when a person could walk into an office, apply for a position, and the willingness and determination to succeed was enough to open a door. Or was that just in the movies? Nah.
Times have changed. Gone are the days of giving someone a chance to show they are capable. Today you have to have a degree, certificate, or qualifier of some kind. Training.
Then there is the flip side. How many are overqualified for a position they would actually like to hold? I had one interviewer make a comment regarding my willingness to take a two-day a week position. She thought it was nice to not have to work full time. All I thought was it must be nice to have a job. Perception. Truth is I was [am] overqualified, but was looking at the silver lining: I would have more time with my family, more time to write, more time for school, more time for whatever and still earn a little money. That was a second interview and no courtesy rejection letter, phone call, or email was sent.
When I first moved to Virginia I had one interview where the girl commented on how I could do her job. I agreed. The rejection letter soon followed. Funny thing, I did not want her job. Maybe it is not that I am overqualified but that others feel threatened because they are underqualified in comparison. Now, there is a thought! Me? I always thought it important to have someone who could do my job. Why worry if you are performing appropriately. A good employee looks out for the big picture, right?
I am starting to believe I am overthinking this whole job thing. Maybe my mom is right. No. Of course she is right. She is always right. Ask the right question and you will receive the answer you seek. Put it to a higher power. Maybe it will come to me in a dream. Stay tuned…
