I’ve got an MBA but no JOB - I’m upset and confused..

Episode #934 October 06, 2023

Wow – don’t think that an MBA or an academic degree is a guarantee of anything in today’s workplace. It takes far more than degrees to prove your value.

We’ll unpack this listener question – and some other doozies.

So, grab your cup of tea – or maybe your Mt. Dew – and get ready for a power-packed episode filled with practical advice, inspiring stories, and valuable resources to help maximize your opportunities – Let’s jump in right after these messages from our supporting sponsors!

So here are our question setups for today’s episode:

Questions:

I was arrested, then vindicated, and now want to write a book about not allowing evil to win.

You absolutely have a lot of options and a lot of opportunities to realign into something else. You could coach, speak, write a book, have a podcast, get a new teaching position, etc. I am reading a new book right now called Mindshift: It Doesn’t Take a Genius To Think Like One by Erwin Raphael McManus. Dave Ramsey is a perfect example of someone who went through a trying time in his life and came out the other side and then wrote a book. The key is to not only tell your story but also give advice for someone else to take action on. Give people hope and a plan. I did the same thing in 48 Days To the Work You Love. Share only 10% about the lemons in your life and spend the rest of your time sharing how you (and others can) make lemonade of that.

Most people would look at my life and business and think I am “ahead” in many ways, but I usually tend to feel behind about 90% of the time. Is this normal?

Feeling behind is a common trait among high achievers. Despite others perceiving us as ahead, we can’t help but feel like we’re not measuring up. But why is that? Some of that can be due to perfectionism. High achievers often set high standards for themselves. We can also get caught up in comparisons. It can also come from fear of failure or insecurity and low self-confidence. There’s a difference between being complacent and having a healthy discontent and having a sense that there is more you want to do. A few keys:

Identify what’s important to you. Make sure your success is measured in a very individualized way.
Be future-oriented and have a clear vision of what you want your life to look like three years from now.
Achievements matter! Take a moment to acknowledge what you’ve accomplished.

I’m a 26-year-old woman with an MBA. I was valedictorian of my class but have not been able to find a job in over 3 years. How can I get unstuck?

It’s tough to work hard and follow what the world tells us will lead to success. Unfortunately, even an MBA doesn’t have the prestige that it once did. Don’t think that having an MBA is a magic ticket that is going to open doors for you. Have you really been inactive during this three-year period since getting your MBA? What have you been doing with the other parts of your life: friends, health, hobbies, personal development? You dramatically increase your chances in any one area of your life if you are growing in all areas. Are there friends you’ve made that can refer you to a company? Did you pass on other jobs because they weren’t the perfect job? A lot of companies are begging for employees. Don’t wait for that job that requires an MBA. That will come later. Your next opportunity may not look exactly like what you’re expecting. That’s okay. See this as the beginning of the next three years in your life. If you get a job and serve well there, you will be recognized, possibly be promoted, and almost certainly meet other people who can open the doors to new opportunities. Any job is not just a job. It’s a way to open doors. Do you have a specific skill that you could offer to companies that wouldn’t necessarily be a full-time job? Stay positive.

Quotation:

“I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” – Mark Twain

Resource:

Our 2024 event – Build a Life You Love – 48days.com/activate

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