Any tips on how to handle a job I like but am overqualified for.

9 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 11,2023 at 1:01AM UTC

   You don't know unless you try.

2. AnonymousMay 11,2023 at 1:52AM UTC

   Never hurts to look.

3. AnonymousMay 11,2023 at 4:56PM UTC

   Ageism is a real thing.

   Kiss-up / Kick-down people suck, but at least you know what you're dealing with.

4. AnonymousMay 15,2023 at 11:48PM UTC

   Sounds like your manager isn’t planning on retiring any time soon? Wondering how long you could stick it out and maybe move up to her role?

5. Christi LopezMay 16,2023 at 2:33PM UTC

   It really depends on how much you like the job and how much effort you're willing to put in. You said you find things that should change and they never go anywhere. Are these ideas that you just mention, or are they concepts that you fully develop, provide pros and cons on, develop training for, but then never get implemented?

   Your manager doesn't sound supportive, but are there opportunities for cross-office projects or committees that would bring you in contact with other managers in the organization? Really take a look around and see what you can do to expand your contacts.

   If you love the job, are there opportunities to cross train or expand your knowledge base? Could you set aside an hour every Friday for professional learning? Are there things you could do outside your job that would provide the fulfillment you're missing at your job?

   When I have been in positions that I'm overqualified for, I use any spare time to learn new skills - whether that's brushing up on basic software that I don't necessarily use on a daily basis like Excel, or staying abreast of industry standards...even leadership training or communication skills.

   Is ageism a thing? Yes. But if you keep your skills on par with those younger than you and you're able to provide a track record of thinking outside the box, project management, etc., then I have to believe you'll find where you're meant to be.

6. AnonymousMay 30,2023 at 1:22PM UTC

   It sounds like your manager is. A frustrating person to work with because you are never able to contribute to any sort of positive change.. It doesn't matter whether you have a college degree or not..... I have known wonderful managers without a degree, and I have worked with horrible managers who have multiple degrees.... So I would discount Your comment About having a. College degree... The issue is the fact that your manager is Controlling and doesn't. Want to give anyone else credit.. and that is stifling... So how long have you Been working in this Situation?... If you are absolutely frustrated every single day then, by all means, start applying for a new job.. Don't worry about agism until you start encountering it...I am seeing positive movement in the workplace and people being easily hired for jobs in their sixties....

7. AnonymousMay 30,2023 at 8:19PM UTC

   Thank you. I have been there 21/2 years. I’m not frustrated every day, but I think there is nowhere to go. I feel used rather than valued. It definitely won’t hurt to look. Thanks to this community for listening.

8. AnonymousMay 31,2023 at 8:16PM UTC

   I am 53 and feel like I'm in the same boat; no where to go. I've been at my job a long time as well. I did recently land a job that is a good fit for me and the pay is in the right range for the role though a bit lower than what I am making now. I'm happy that I get to do something new that will be fun and will utilize my skillset. I'd update your resume and take dates off your education. Good luck!

9. AnonymousMay 31,2023 at 1:02PM UTC

   It doesn't hurt to look but finding a job in your 50's will be hard; ageism is real. I just went through this in my job search and though I was qualified for many positions, I didn't get many interview opportunities I feel it was in part because I am over 50 and there are a lot of younger people with similar qualifications applying for the same role.