The Consequences of Over-Education
In today's society, higher education is often seen as a gateway to success and prestige. However, what happens when someone becomes 'over-educated'? Here, we explore the potential downsides and the societal and personal consequences of excessive education.
The Disconnect: Over-Education and Job Market Disparity
A few years ago, I met a gentleman with numerous PhDs and degrees. Initially, I was impressed. However, as the conversation deepened, an odd realization set in. His perception of success was heavily skewed towards degrees and academic achievements.
During the conversation, my friend, a successful business owner with a bachelor's degree, shared his story. Instead of acknowledging his entrepreneurial success, the PhD holder downplayed it. His statement, “Well, not everyone needs to be highly educated to get by,” struck me as disquieting. This experience highlighted a common yet troubling issue: sometimes, being highly educated can be more about a perceived status than actual achievement.
It's not uncommon for highly educated individuals to face challenges in the job market. In 2019, an article by Reuters reported that PhD graduates in tech were struggling to find appropriate positions. Many had to scale back their expectations to lower-level jobs, while others faced skepticism from potential employers who questioned their value.
Over-Education as a Shield
Being highly educated can sometimes serve as a shield or a way to feel superior, rather than a true indicator of ability or success. This mindset can blind individuals to the value of other skills and experiences that aren't always recognized in a degree.
Degrees might garner respect for a period, but it is ultimately one's unique contributions, hard work, and human qualities that keep people around. For instance, a friend of mine, who has a BA, MS, and PhD, emphasized that his degrees indeed opened doors, but also carried significant costs. While he values the education he received, the specific benefits and challenges of his PhD have left him with some regrets.
Is Too Much Education a Real Problem?
Is there such a thing as being 'too highly educated'? The answer is more nuanced. Often, people with advanced degrees feel they have to downscale their career expectations to match the limited number of suitable positions available.
It's important to distinguish between feeling trapped by education and actual underemployment. Sometimes, people with bachelor's degrees complain about their lack of career fulfillment. However, many of them have not defined their career goals explicitly, making it difficult to identify a specific path. The underlying issue is the lack of direction and effort rather than an abundance of education.
The Value of Non-Degree Contributions
Living in a city like Boston, one can easily strike up conversations with individuals who boast about their Ivy League degrees. Yet, one does not need an elite education to succeed. In fact, the value of unconventional paths and varied experiences cannot be overstated.
Meanwhile, highly educated individuals can sometimes overlook the contributions of the less formally educated. Consider the massive contributions of drivers, both in traditional taxi services and the newer app-based services like Uber and Lyft. These individuals bring a lot to the table, often through their practical skills and personal connections, which are not always quantifiable through degrees.
In conclusion, the concept of being over-educated is complex and multifaceted. While higher education offers many benefits, it's not a cure-all for career struggles. Understanding the true value of education and the importance of human qualities beyond degrees can help address the challenges faced by over-educated individuals.