After a challenging 4-year stint at college, you now have your degree. You are now ready to venture into the working world. Of course, even the best-laid plans don’t always come to fruition.
Unfortunately, the experiences you had in that field may be completely different from what you expected. It’s also possible that your preferred field is difficult to enter so you are getting no offers whatsoever.
Since you’ve been out of work for so long, you may be thinking of taking a job that is not related to your degree. Should you move forward with your career even if it means straying from your college degree? Let’s discuss that matter in greater detail in this article.
Pursuing a career unrelated to your college degree is far from unusual
In many cases, people are unwilling to accept a job unrelated to their degree because they are wary of how they might be perceived. They may be worried that their employer could see them as a poor fit. They may be concerned about their mistakes potentially being magnified due to the circumstances.
If you harbor those same concerns, you should know that going after a career unrelated to your college degree is normal.
According to a survey conducted by Intelligent.com, only 46 percent of college graduates said they were working in a field related to their degree.
You won’t stand out in your new workplace because you accepted a job that has little to do with your college studies. Chances are that at least some of your co-workers are in the exact same predicament.
Your course doesn’t have to define you
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that your worth as a potential employee is tied solely to your degree. That’s not really the case.
Many employers look at degrees as proof of a candidate’s dedication. They see it as evidence that an applicant understands the value of working hard.
In essence, they value the degree more than the candidate’s actual field of study.
Take a moment to catch your breath and collect yourself. Once you’re done with that, you can change your perspective and see your degree in a different light. Use it as a key that opens up opportunities instead of a barrier that narrows down your career options.
You have other things to worry about
Getting hung up on landing a career that matches your degree can give you tunnel vision. You are so focused on securing that job that you fail to consider other important matters.
For instance, have you asked yourself if you like that job? Does it give you the work-life balance you desire? Are you being paid a fair salary?
Don’t allow a decision you made years ago to trap you in a career you simply do not like. Go ahead and try other lines of work. See if you can find fulfillment by pursuing those other paths.
Finding a great job related to your college degree would be fantastic, but the reality is that things don’t always work out that way. As long as you can land a job that makes you happy, your college degree will not go to waste.
Photo from Laura James, Pexels
