Educated Idiots

When doing a search or inventory of one's life, you come across a few truisms that seem to be reflective of not only yourself, but an established public group pertaining lots of individuals as well. Now, the title of this article may seem derogatory, but really, it's not. Let me explain.

I'm what I would call an Educated Idiot. The rationale behind that theory is simple. I'm educated - scholastic and work-force - yet I'm unable to get a job as a dock worker, loading and unloading boxes, due to my background. How this works is really rather simple if you think about it. I've gained a formal education in English creative writing and literature, studied the sciences, mathematics, engineering, physics, and will be finishing up my Mater of Arts in English in a few years. My working background has held titles such as "Design Engineering Lead" and "Purchasing/Acquisitions Manger & Special Projects Coordinator". What that equates out to is, someone who should be "worth" a lot of money in the job market.

So, as of the moment, I'm job hunting due to not having a job. I go to apply at a business who is looking for a non-management position such as dock worker, telecommunications, receptionist, etc., and the first thing these potential employers see when they get my resume is, "over qualified". That's right, over qualified. Who'd have thought that one could reach a point where they would be over qualified to work at a position? I didn't until I got to that point. The next side of the coin is my education. Their second thought is, "over educated". Now, this is where I can start to get a little cranky. Let me rant to explain.

I was told when I was young that a Bachelors Degree would take you places. A good job, good career, good money...the fabled silver lining. It didn't really matter what field it was in, just so long as you had one. Then, as I got closer to that day where I could embark on that magical journey, I was told that it did matter what you wanted to get your degree in - mainly, math, science, or math and science. I guess there was Computer Technology too, but let's not worry about that. So I start looking around, trying to figure out what I want to do, and come across some job boards. Figured I would take a look at them for twists 'n giggles, and saw a theme surrounding the postings: "No Experience Necessary, Bachelor's Degree Required!" So now my thoughts go back to, it doesn't matter what it's in, just so long as you have it. Now, let me fill you in on something. By this time in my life, I'd already entered and left a program in Pre-Medicine and Business Administration. Both of which I started off of the premise of "this is what I need to take/do to be successful" which was, and I can tell you from experience, NOT THE RIGHT MINDSET FOR SUCCESS. After much deliberation and news about a child heading into the newly formed lives of my wife and I, I decided to listen to the "no experience necessary, bachelors degree required" crap, and go back to school - that was a success, but a story for later.

During all of this time, I'd been able to manage to snag a few positions that led me to the afore mentioned job position titles, get things wrapped up with my education, and find myself sitting here at the computer writing this blog post. What can I tell you about it all? I can tell you that I'm unemployed, educated, work-experienced, and job hunting. I've found that I've managed to work myself into a spot. And it makes me cranky. But, albeit, a good cranky, kind-of. I'm in a spot because I'm at a point where things need to progress, but the very nature of the things I've accomplished to help me progress are the things that are keeping me from progressing. Better said, what I've done to un-hinder my life is the very thing that's hindering my life...talk about a paradox!

So I'm an Educated Idiot! And, if any of you out there have found yourself in a position like this, then I'd consider you one too. But unlike some of the other situations we're faced with in life, I've chosen to embrace this inner educated idiot, and stand tall in the face of adversity! Would you like to know why? In the face of all thats happening and all that has happened, I've been able to say that what I've done has made me who I am, and that, despite my current situation, I wouldn't change it for the world. We are not what life wants us to be, but what we make of ourselves in this life. Sure, I may have gotten myself into a jam with being overly knowledgeable in too many areas to get an entry level job. I may not have the proper credentials to get myself into a "really good job", but at least I can say that I'm happy with my accomplishments, and most of all, proud of the work I've accomplished to get to this point. I'm proud to say that I'm an Educated Idiot, because I've earned the right to proclaim that position to the world. Today, that's all I can ask for. Who knows? Tomorrow I may get that "one phone call" or that "one email or letter" which'll change everything. Maybe not. But today, in this moment, I'm thankful for where I've gotten. Cheers!