How to Capitalize When You're Underemployed

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By Kristen Fischer
eHow Contributing Writer

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Capitalize When You're Underemployed

Many people nowadays, realize that they're lucky to have jobs. But for those who are bored out of their minds at their jobs and know it's not the right time to make a job change--is there anything that can be done to make the most of being underemployed? Leverage it to your benefit, of course! Here are some effective, and even creative ways.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Remember That You're Not Alone

Many people experience dissatisfaction at their jobs--in fact, about 55 percent of American workers are reportedly underemployed and not engaged at work, which involves having a job that does not allow you to fully utilize your skills. Underemployment isn't just about boredom; you can have a job where you are occupied all day, but doing something menial that does not allow you to utilize your full potential. This phenomenon can sour your attitude and runs rampant through many workplaces--and yes, even during a recession!
Step 2

Skip the Solitaire

So you've asked for assignments, but your boss says things are slow. Most employees would turn to something mind-numbing, like a computer game. But if you're new on the job, you can take advantage of getting to know the company and leveraging the benefits. Regardless of whether you are new or not, it never looks good to be playing a game at your computer. Find something else to do--in this case, something more productive.
Step 3

Get to Know Your Benefits

You probably already know if you get healthcare, but now is the time to explore what else the company has to offer. Get a copy of the employee manual and read the entire book. Meet the HR Director and ask about other benefits including gym discounts and professional development training. Maybe you can take a course to expand upon your work skills to pass the time--even if you are at your computer doing a self-taught course. Things may be slow and new employees may have more time to be brought up to speed, but the key is to be doing something work-related even if you're not working on your usual projects.
Step 4

Hit the Water Cooler (So to Say)

This isn't a freebie pass to commiserate with other bored employees. The goal here is to forge relationships that can benefit you in the future, whether it is for this company or another. Get to know the organizational chart and determine who you want to get to know. You'll meet some people that you like regardless of position, but it is also a good time to stop by another corporate leader's office and introduce yourself. This could also land you more work to keep you occupied.
Step 5

Carefully Consider a Job Change

Those that are underemployed or just bored to tears at their jobs seem to be more desperate to change jobs. If you decide you want to explore other opportunities, think about what you want to do. If you do not yet have the number of years put in to advance, it may be a better idea to stay at your current job, avoid job hopping on your resume and take more professional development courses in your industry.

And if you do want out of this job, make the careful choice when accepting another job so you do not go back into the same underemployment situation. Take career tests and find out what you are good at and evaluate your next move carefully. Look for jobs discretely so if it doesn't work out, you do not lose the current job and wind up with nothing.
Step 6

Explore Other Interests

If your 9-to-5 gig is here to stay and you cannot leave or find more engaging projects, make your non-work hours special. Do something engaging by taking up a hobby or spending time with people you enjoy. Many people use this time to moonlight doing work they enjoy, and some take that a step further and prepare to open their own business.

Comments

pieceofscrap said

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on 11/13/2009 Great tips! Professional development training is a great way to make yourself stand out from the rest of the pack. Set a professional goal such as earning a certification or a degree and ... go for it!