Are you overqualified?

[supertrooper1]

For the second time this week, I had a manager tell me I was overqualified to work here and would be better off somewhere else. I've been told I would be a rising star at HQ, but have no interest in moving or trying to afford D.C. And I'm paid very well for where I live and nothing pays better in my area that I'm qualified for. So I'm stuck in a job that people think I'm overqualified for.  Sadly, the last thing I did that resulted in someone telling me I'm overqualified is I found a search portal on our intranet for a system we use.   

How are you overqualified?

[covergirl82]

I am exploring the idea of changing industries (I currently work in the health care industry), but the majority of job openings I've found are at the level below mine. I'm a senior-level analyst, and so most of the openings are at the intermediate level. I have over 10 years of experience in my specialty in HR, so I can't see myself taking a lower level position (given that my knowledge, skills, and abilities are at the senior level).

[rere]

When I look at my skill set and seniority, I feel like I should at least a level above where I am currently. I've gained a lot of knowledge and am very respected in my work. However, I probably mommy tracked myself with my several years of part time. And when I look outside the agency for things I am qualified, most of the positions posted are more for recent grads or would at least be a big step down in pay, title, and benefits.

When I look above me, it is somewhat frustrating especially when it might not change.

[waverly]

Kind of yes. I am in a weird field where all the job postings make less money than I do, so I can't really move. I mean I could, but I don't really want to take a pay cut especially because I am paid less than the business field anyway for example.

I could potentially take a lower step job, but I would have to explain why I am taking a step back in my cover letter or negotiate a higher salary if I stay a department head. The only step above me is director, and I really don't want to do that.

I would probably have to go back to school to get into a different industry, but I don't really want to do that either.

[freezorburn]

Yes and no. I have a master's degree (landscape architecture) that I'm not currently using. Right now I only work a little over 20 hours a week, which is the minimum I need for both myself and DS to have health insurance. I initially took the job because I wanted something low stress that would get me working again. I was feeling burned out from the divorce and from doing the majority of parenting DS, and I didn't feel like I was ready to return to my previous career (still don't). So I'm working in the floral department at a supermarket. I get to use some of my knowledge about plants and design and be around other adults and have part of my day not be all about my child. I'm definitely not qualified to do my boss's job, though. Floristry has all its own training and certification and experience. I'm learning a lot and having fun, but I don't see this as a long-term path for me. It's just something to do while I get my stress levels under control and get DS used to the idea of me working. As it is, I'm really glad that I only had a 20-hour schedule to come back to after being off for pneumonia, because rebuilding stamina has been slow.

[sunbutter]

Yes and no.
In my position, I kind of have one foot on either side of the fence.
On one side, I sit with upper management who has many more years of experience and am constantly trying to keep up and learn.
On the other side, like today, I physically do lab work that most folks with my education and experience would never be asked to do. It is that way because of scarcity of resources and because I don't have direct reports that I can delegate too. Peers at other companies find it mind blowing that I am still responsible for day to day experiment execution.

However, because I can fill these two different roles, I am more valuable in a way and hopefully less likely to be targeted in a reorg. as opposed to people at my level who behave as if they are entitled to no longer do certain tasks. And they don't really flourish in management roles....they are slowly getting called out for it.

[mommyatty]

No, I’m well qualified for the job I have. But, my job isn’t really titled properly. I really ought to be an AVP. All of the kids in the sandbox where I play are AVPs. But I’m a general director. And the only girl, so there’s that.

[msn06]

Before I was moved to payroll administrator I was an administrative assistant/ front desk girl. So I used to be. I hold a masters degree in Eduction which focused in math and science. It was the perfect role once I left education. Now I'm focused on learning everything I can to further my knowledge and better at my job.

[divanerd]

No I'm pretty qualified for my role.

[sunbutter]

Nov 8, 2017 19:48:25 GMT -5 sunbutter said:

Yes and no.
In my position, I kind of have one foot on either side of the fence.
On one side, I sit with upper management who has many more years of experience and am constantly trying to keep up and learn.
On the other side, like today, I physically do lab work that most folks with my education and experience would never be asked to do. It is that way because of scarcity of resources and because I don't have direct reports that I can delegate too. Peers at other companies find it mind blowing that I am still responsible for day to day experiment execution.

However, because I can fill these two different roles, I am more valuable in a way and hopefully less likely to be targeted in a reorg. as opposed to people at my level who behave as if they are entitled to no longer do certain tasks. And they don't really flourish in management roles....they are slowly getting called out for it.

And just 24 hours after I typed this, management announced a reorganization that will mean 25% of my current group being laid off.....here is hoping my qualifications are "just right" for the new vision. Won't know details for at least two months. What in the world is the benefit of telling a group that far in advance?!

[mommyatty]

sunbutter, at least people have notice. At my company, it’s always a complete surprise, which I think is awful.

[rere]

How do I even move? Any move up, besides my curgent boss would mean a move to the capital, 3 hrs away. If I move to another agency, it's not like I am a lawyer or engineer with a certain skill set
It would mean a move to an entirely different agency with their own programs.I don't know how to move to a Director level position when I would gave to learn their programs also?

[sunbutter]

Nov 10, 2017 20:21:42 GMT -5 mommyatty said:

sunbutter, at least people have notice. At my company, it’s always a complete surprise, which I think is awful.

The problem is that folks don't know who. So we will just guess until it happens and it totally changes morale. Normally, we don't get any notice either but they had to get ahead of the possibility of someone leaking info because there is construction and new hiring involved.