Underemployment. Is it real?

According to dictionary.com, underemployment is being employed at job that does not fully use one’s skills or abilities; or employed only part-time when one is available for full-time work. When I look at this definition, I think in all of my years of employment I’ve been underemployed for the majority of the time.

This point was made very clear to me about a year ago. I had received a phone call from my electric provider asking if I would participate in a survey. I agreed and the basic demographics were asked; date of birth, race etc. Then they asked about highest level of education, then about income. Based on my education the surveyor decided to skip ahead a few income levels. I told her she might want to go back towards the beginning of her list, because that’s where my income would be. I remember her pausing and saying, “Oh with your education I’m sure we need to start here”. Again, I encouraged her to start at the beginning. After reading the second level, we were able to move on to the next question. I could hear it in her voice that she had additional questions that had nothing to do with how I use my neighbor comparison statement. She wanted to know why someone who had an MBA wasn’t making much more money than she was.

The reason is…a lesson. I am on a life journey and part of the journey has brought me to a place where I can truly appreciate the opportunity at hand and wait patiently for what’s next. Now, that doesn’t mean I’m not looking for other opportunities. I have a very specific plan for my career and am focused on doing whatever it takes to make that happen. Had I not been unemployed, I probably would not be as appreciative as I am for my current job, nor would I be as patient as I wait for my next opportunity.

If you are in a state of underemployment, have an attitude of gratitude for the experience and be patient as your next opportunity presents itself. If your unemployment only includes part-time hours, do your best to make the most out of the time you are there. Get to know the people you are working with and help them to see how valuable you are. That way, when a full-time position comes available, you can be at the top of the list of candidates.

I recently interviewed for an internal position and believe that my attitude of gratitude and patience as I’ve been looking for the right opportunity are going to help me outshine the other candidates. If not, I know that what is meant for me is mine and I will continue to press forward with my plan. I will keep a positive attitude, while focusing on my personal and professional goals. This little saying gives me peace when something I want doesn’t happen, “Life’s rejection is God’s protection”.

Thankful for His protection!

Goal Planning Tips

I was asked to write a guest blog at the beginning of 2014, and thought I would share the post on my blog. Enjoy and Happy Planning!

So, we’ve made it to 2014! We have been blessed with the opportunity to begin again, to get a fresh start, write a new chapter in your book of life. Time to set some goals! Keep in mind, these goals can be professional and personal.  A good mix of the two can help create a good balance in your life. The goal setting process is one that is challenging yet can provide you with the power to create the life you want.

One of the first things I would do to get started is to get a clear picture of where you want to be at the end of 2014, then think about what steps it will take to get there. Once you know where you want to be, and have a basic idea of how to get there, putting this goal and plans on paper is a key step. Goals seem more real, more concrete when we see them in writing. You don’t have to be a “writer” to do this either, if you can make a grocery list, you can make a list of goals.

Another important part of this process is to surround yourself with like-minded people. If the people in your circle are stagnant or complacent, it might be time to expand your circle, or even create another circle. One way to meet people who are heading in your direction is to join groups or clubs that are involved in whatever it is that you goal is related to. If your goal is a professional one, LinkedIn is amazing resource for finding groups to join.

Now that you have a core group of people that are of the same mind as you, take it a step further and tell some about your goal. When you share your goals you create a form of accountability. The person you tell can potentially keep you on track to reaching that goal. I understand that this is scary for many reasons, but that fear has to come second to wanting to achieve your goals.

A final step to making your goals happen is to keep your goals and plan in front of you. As part of my planning process this year, I am going to create a vision board to keep myself reminded of why I am focused on my goals. I’m also going to keep my goals and action plan on me at all times, that way I can take it out and see what kind of progress I’m making and decide if I need to adjust any of my action plans.

Setting goals and creating a plan to achieve these goals can be nerve wracking but so important if you want to see yourself make your goals happen in 2014; it takes dedication, self-reflection and proper planning. And even if you do all of these things, your end result may not be exactly what you thought it would be, but you’ll never know if you don’t try!