Time to Dumb it Down?

Sunday's Boston Globe ran an article by Michelle Singletary titled "In time of record unemployment, being highly qualified may be a drawback".  Ms. Singletary, who has clearly never been un or under employed, gives desperate job seekers "advice".  Her advice, dumb it down.  You know, take that master's degree off and be "open" to a lower salary with a reduced set of responsibilities.

You know, take a position that won't keep you fully engaged.  Hide your hard-earned master's degree, and become the person you used to manage.

A recipe for disaster.  I've never met someone who took a job making less that was happy.  Even Kathy Lee Gifford complains on the Today Show that she doesn't make what she used to make on Regis and Kathy Lee.  She actually complains about it on the air.

I work in a business that strives to help organizations put people into jobs that they fit--intellectually, behavior wise, and in terms of their personal interests.  Ms. Singletary's ideas go a long way in setting unrealistic expectations.  She goes with the "tough times require you to dumb it down" and I couldn't disagree more.  Tough times require creative thinking, amazing amounts of energy, and patience.  And that doesn't mean that you need to wait forever.  Interim "dumbed down" employment can be a lifesaver--but not a life plan.

What do I recommend?  I recommend that you create a resume you are proud of.  One that makes you proud of what you've done and one that highlights what you are good at.  Never dumb it down.  You are a valuable person filled with amazing ideas, ideals, and a goal to make a difference.  And, if you are forced to take a job that you are overqualified for, think of it as "for now", do your best every single day, and continue to network and pursue the job of your dreams.

Now, that's not dumb at all, is it?

Comments

[Tia Brown]

Love the blog. Love your advice, How long should i say in my "for now" job?

[Jay Hargis: HRCleanUp]

Tia, stay until something comes along that will challenge you and puts you in a more progressive environment. Now is the time to NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK! Get out there and meet lots of people who do interesting things at interesting companies. You and your next opportunity will eventually find each other.