Ever had a job for which you were horribly underqualified?

[Locut0s]

Not talking about my current job. I am sometimes out of my depth for some inquiries but usually otherwise OK.

So the question is have you ever had a job for which you were really underqualified and hence couldn't do your job properly or were always out of your depth. Let's hear some good stories.

 

[child of wonder]

Once had a job as a female exotic dancer. That didn't last long because I couldn't dance in heels.

 

[guyver01]

Nope. i've been overqualified for every job i've worked at. The only positions i'd be qualified for is management level.. and i really don't wanna work 90 hours a week.

 

[HybridSquirrel]

I have never been underqualified so far...but i've always been overqualified, especially my current job. as guyver said, i dont want to put in the man hours for work while im still in school.

 

[RocksteadyDotNet]

I'm a senior application developer with no degree, or any other qualifications to speak of.

 

[SagaLore]

Yes. Moderator.

 

[guyver01]

Yes. Moderator.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Yep, Parent

 

[Leros]

Yep, Parent

I would say very few people are qualified to be parents.

 

[Malak]

I'm a senior application developer with no degree, or any other qualifications to speak of.

That's what I was going to say. Technically I have been unqualified for a position, but never incapable.

 

[RocksteadyDotNet]

That's what I was going to say. Technically I have been unqualified for a position, but never incapable.

Don't you believe in a magical man who lives in the sky?

I didn't think you were bright enough to be a developer.

 

[olds]

I probably suffer from some sort of inferiority complex.
I usually go into a job feeling like I am not the most qualified then end up being the best employee there.

 

[lxskllr]

I probably suffer from some sort of inferiority complex.
I usually go into a job feeling like I am not the most qualified then end up being the best employee there.

People's incompetence is astounding. It's a wonder anything gets done in the world. I consider myself completely average, but I'm a fuckin' genius in comparison to a lot of the people I've worked with.

 

[Locut0s]

People's incompetence is astounding. It's a wonder anything gets done in the world. I consider myself completely average, but I'm a fuckin' genius in comparison to a lot of the people I've worked with.

What is it you do again lxskllr? Something to do with construction, or am I wrong?

 

[Locut0s]

Yep, Parent

lol. Yeah that doesn't really count.

 

[Locut0s]

Nope. i've been overqualified for every job i've worked at. The only positions i'd be qualified for is management level.. and i really don't wanna work 90 hours a week.

Perhaps I should have said not knowledgeable enough instead of under qualified. The two are often synonymous but not always. There are people who have the credentials for a job but still don't know their ass from a hole in the ground and others who don't have any credentials that are pros.

 

[lxskllr]

What is it you do again lxskllr? Something to do with construction, or am I wrong?

Land surveying, but I specialized in construction layout, especially highways and bridges.

 

[Locut0s]

Land surveying, but I specialized in construction layout, especially highways and bridges.

Ah neat. So you are one of the guys behind the theodolites that you see guys using before any construction or work begins.

 

[lxskllr]

Ah neat. So you are one of the guys behind the theodolites that you see guys using before any construction or work begins.

Before, during, and after :^D It used to be interesting work, but I really burned out on it. That, and my back issues have me looking to get into something else. I really thought I wanted to get into IT, but hearing the horror stories around here have me second guessing that desire. Also, I don't have any formal training. I know a bit, and I pick up stuff quick, but it's hard putting that on a resume :^D Besides, after 25 years of surveying, with 20 being at the same company, my resume's pretty thin :^/