It’s a scenario that’s all too common: you’ve invested years of your life earning a PhD in computational mathematics, but somehow, you find yourself doing tasks that seem better suited for someone with far less formal education. Whether you’re calculating basic statistics, handling administrative duties, or performing menial tasks, it can feel frustrating, even demoralizing, to know that your advanced degree and specialized skills are underutilized.

When highly qualified professionals are asked to do jobs that middle school students might perform, it raises important questions about job expectations, fulfillment, and career satisfaction. While it can be disheartening, there are several strategies you can use to cope with this situation and make the best out of an otherwise frustrating experience.

1. Acknowledge the Reality of the Situation

It’s important to first acknowledge that being overqualified is a common challenge in many industries. Whether you’re in academia, industry, or a corporate setting, companies may ask highly educated individuals to perform tasks that don’t fully tap into their advanced skills. This may happen due to limited resources, shifting priorities, or simply because your expertise is needed elsewhere in a different capacity.

Rather than focusing on the mismatch between your qualifications and the task at hand, try to look at the situation objectively. In many cases, tasks that may seem beneath your qualifications may be the ones that need attention at that moment. Understanding the bigger picture can help reduce feelings of frustration and shift your mindset.

2. Reframe the Task as a Learning Opportunity

Even if the work seems too basic, there are ways to reframe it as an opportunity for growth. For example, performing tasks outside of your usual area of expertise can sharpen your adaptability and broaden your skill set. Consider it as a chance to step outside your usual routine and see things from a different perspective.

Sometimes, taking on simpler tasks allows you to develop new professional skills that don’t directly relate to your field but are still valuable in your overall career. Whether it’s improving your communication skills, learning new software, or understanding how different departments function, there may be unexpected benefits to performing tasks that don’t fully utilize your PhD.

3. Evaluate How the Job Fits Your Career Goals

Another way to cope with being overqualified is to evaluate how the current role fits into your broader career goals. Are you stuck in a temporary situation due to the current job market, or are you in a position that offers long-term career prospects, despite some of the seemingly trivial tasks?

If you’re in a job where your advanced degree is not being fully utilized, consider if it’s a stepping stone to something better. Sometimes, highly qualified individuals take on roles that appear below their level of expertise because they see the potential for career growth or professional development in the future. If this is the case, it may help to focus on the long-term picture rather than the immediate frustrations.

4. Have an Honest Conversation with Your Employer

If the mismatch between your qualifications and your job responsibilities is causing you stress, it might be worth having an honest discussion with your employer. While it can be difficult to broach this subject, it’s better to communicate your concerns rather than bottle them up. A respectful conversation can help clarify expectations and potentially lead to more fulfilling opportunities.

In this conversation, try to express your desire to contribute at a higher level, while also being open to the needs of the company. Offering to help with more complex projects or suggesting ways you can better apply your advanced skills might allow your employer to see you in a different light and help align your job responsibilities with your expertise.

5. Find Value in Small Tasks

It’s easy to dismiss smaller tasks as beneath your qualifications, but sometimes, they can provide a sense of accomplishment or help you gain a clearer understanding of your work environment. For example, handling simple administrative duties or performing basic calculations can provide the clarity needed to make larger, more strategic decisions in the future. By finding value in these smaller tasks, you might be able to see how they contribute to the overall success of the team or organization.

Additionally, small tasks can be an opportunity to demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to excellence. Even if they don’t require the full extent of your qualifications, performing them well can set you apart as someone who is dedicated, thorough, and reliable.

6. Avoid Losing Your Sense of Self-Worth

One of the biggest challenges of being overqualified for a job is maintaining your sense of self-worth. It’s easy to feel as though your skills are being wasted or that you are not living up to your full potential. However, it’s crucial not to let this affect your confidence or self-esteem.

Remember that your education and experiences have provided you with valuable skills, and those skills are transferable. Even if you’re doing tasks that seem beneath you, your overall career path will eventually reflect the value of your advanced qualifications. Staying confident in your abilities and focusing on long-term goals can help keep your spirits high during times of professional frustration.

7. Consider New Opportunities

If you find that the mismatch between your qualifications and your work responsibilities is causing ongoing dissatisfaction, it might be time to explore new job opportunities. While this may not always be a quick or easy solution, being proactive about seeking positions that align better with your skill set and aspirations is important.

Before making any moves, evaluate your goals and the type of work that would make you feel fulfilled. Whether it’s in academia, industry, or another field, finding a role where your advanced qualifications are truly valued can bring a renewed sense of purpose and job satisfaction.

Being asked to perform tasks that feel beneath your qualifications can be one of the most frustrating aspects of a career. However, by reframing the situation, staying open to growth opportunities, and finding ways to communicate effectively with your employer, you can cope with the feeling of being overqualified. Remember that your skills and education still hold immense value, and with the right mindset, you can turn what initially seems like a setback into an opportunity for both personal and professional growth.