Ich habe ein nutzloses Masterdiplom und wie ich damit umgehe

Summary

The presenter has a master’s degree in data science, statistics, and politics from the University of Zurich but has been unable to find work in their field. Since graduating, they have worked as a bicycle courier, pizza delivery driver, call-center worker, and burger-stand worker.

They describe this as part of a widespread problem of underemployment, not an individual failure. In their view, many qualified people struggle to find suitable work because there are too few good jobs, living costs are high, and education no longer guarantees economic security. They encourage people to talk openly about these conditions rather than feel ashamed.

Strategies and advice

• Don’t blame yourself for unemployment, underemployment, or taking work outside your field. These experiences can reflect wider economic conditions.
• Keep going and keep applying. Continue seeking relevant work while taking available jobs to cover expenses.
• Stay open to unexpected work. Jobs outside your training can provide income, exercise, new experiences, and opportunities to meet people and learn.
• Recognize small steps as progress. The presenter finds motivation in continuing, paying bills, and eventually finding full-time work, even when it is unskilled.
• Avoid shame and despair. Precarious work, living with family, or sharing housing do not make someone a failure.
• Protect your wellbeing. The presenter warns against giving up or turning to alcohol, and encourages staying engaged and moving forward.
• Talk about the problem openly. Naming underemployment and financial hardship can help people realize they are not alone and encourage broader solutions.

Presenters and sources

• Presenter: The video’s speaker; their name is not given in the subtitles.
• Sources and organizations mentioned: The New York Times, Instagram, the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, a regional employment agency, Winterthur’s mayor and city government, Zimmer Biomet, Burckhardt Compression, and Uber Eats.