[TapWaterBandit]

> But I have too many acquaintances that are now working in positions they are very much overqualified for.

> Literature major working as a low level clerk for example.

What exactly is a literature major qualified to do though? I don't say this to be mean it is just there is this strange perception out there that the very act of getting a degree in something "qualifies" you for some job that will be high-paying etc.

I think of a counter-example where if someone got a degree in scuba-diving would they be "over-qualified" to be a clerk? Well it depends what we mean by "qualified" right? I only think someone is overqualified for their job if their skill set is:

1. In high demand

2. They are unable to practice it

For example, a doctor working unwillingly as a taxi driver is over-qualified because there is huge demand for doctors but for whatever reason this person can't get a job. Or a developer working as a street cleaner etc.

Having a qualification that you don't use isn't enough to be determined "over-qualified". It is only if there is demand for your skills but you can't use them for whatever reason that it makes sense.