How many of us actually work in a field we were trained or educated for?
By emckee
@emckee (465)
United States
May 30, 2007 12:47pm CST
I have heard time and time again from family, friends (and even statistics on the news channels), that a high percentage of people who have a college degree or specified training DON'T actually have a job in their career field. I just finished at a 2 year college (which really took me about 4), so, where do I go from here? Do I keep pursuing on to a 4 year and be even more in debt?
How many of you on mylot has this happened to? What is the reason do you think this is in your case?
1 person likes this
7 responses
@dead_on_arrival (75)
• United States
30 May 07
I put forth one heck of an effort to obtain the training I needed to be a financial advisor, stocks & investing . . a SEC Licensed stock broker.
Just before my final exam, my youngest son was killed in a motorcycle accident and I had a heart attack. That was in 2000. I am still unable to get a job in any field because Insurance companies will not permit an employer to hire someone who will increase the risk to their group insurance pool.
But I still use what I have learned . . I don't want a "just over broke" JOB
@emckee (465)
• United States
30 May 07
Lord have mercy. I am SO sorry. I am dumbfounded by your response and I thank you for your courage. I wish you ALL the warmest regards possible and all of the blessings in the world. My mother lost her son when he was 8 months old and she is still a wreck on each anniversary. And that was 31 years ago. I could never imagine losing a child, it's the most unnatural phenomenon on earth. I have lost 2 friends because of motorcycle accidents and I absolutely HATE MOTORCYCLES. There is no way to ever be "safe enough" on one. Ok, that's enough, I am crying now. Sorry.
Again, I wish you all the mercy in the Heavens sweet soul.
@Aurone (4755)
• United States
30 May 07
I have a Masters Degree in biology, and I actually work as community college instructor in biology so I am actually using my degree.
As far as going to more college is concerned. I would first ask what is it you want to do? Can you get the job you want with the education you have? If you can, why go to more college? If you can't then, yes going to more college is necessary.
@emckee (465)
• United States
31 May 07
Well, I'll be moving to a small rural community in a couple of weeks and I graduated with a degree in commercial still photography. I already submit images to stock photography agencies and have my own website, but my ultimate goals are to be an established Fine Art photographer and photo restoration artist. I hope to one day also be granted by the government or art/historical counsel for a series I've been working on since the beginning of Spring.
None of these are guaranteed sources of incomes as of yet and the only way I see bringing in a steady paycheck is to either be a gas station attendant or to possibly start competing with the neighboring studios. I've already contacted the neighboring studios and it turns out they are all one-man shows.
Thanks to everyone for the response and much needed advice!
@bam001 (940)
• United States
1 Jun 07
I suppose that I am one of the few people who has lucked out and landed a job in my college major field. My B.S. is in Mathematics and my M.S. is in Education. I am a college professor in Mathematics and focus mainly on dealing with education majors.
@sunshine4 (8703)
• United States
30 May 07
I have a masters degree in early childhood education. When I had my first child, I was sending him to a sitter and then I went to work and taught special ed preschool. I had a very hard time finding good daycare for him, so I decided to quit working and open an in home daycare. I figured that with my education I am at least as qualified if not more than those who have certified daycares. I have been doing daycare for 15 yrs now.
@Giabelle (59)
• Philippines
30 May 07
I guess that's true, that happened in my case. I wanted to be a doctor so I took up pre-medical course of medical technology for four years, I graduated and even took the bboard exam. I passe dit with flying colors. When I was about to continue my studies , another five years to become a full pledge doctor an opportunity to travel arrived that is so hard for me to resist because aside from the good pay, I will also be able to enjoy traveling for free because it is one of the perks that I can avail. I became a flight attendant for many years. I did not practice my degree at all except when administering first aid to passengers in need. Now that I have resigned from my flying job I studied fashion design , something that I've been interested in for the longest time. I am now a fashion designer that specializes in bridal gowns and formals. Very odd isn't it but this is where I can apply my creative juices and I am happy doing it. I don't feel that I'm working because this is something I like and enjoy doing. No regrets:)
@kyutstudph (1263)
• Philippines
1 Jun 07
I am one of those people who is lucky enough to land a job related to my field of study. I took up B.S in Computer Engineering and currently working as a Software Engineer in a global IT company.
@haedescanes (592)
• Philippines
31 May 07
I have graduated as a Medical technology also. I wasn't ale to use my field of expertise. Why? because of low paying job of being a medical technologies in my country. Wow.. That was really hard for me. I have spent 4 years studying judt to find out that the salary i will be receiving isn't enough for my self. What about my future family.? I cannot tolerate that kind of salary i will be receiving if i practice my field of expertise.My family will starve and i won't be able to give their needs.That is why i have pursued applying for a better job and luckily i have been into pharmaceutical sales and have benn payed well since then, not to mention the different perks i have received like traveling, company car and the like. Goodluck!
