What makes a person take low paying jobs when they know they are smart enough to get a better one?

I have a BA in Communications--in '95. But I have taken low, secretarial type jobs for most of my life. I keep being told I can get a better job. I am working as a legal assistant. It feels like I'm stuck in this world. Is it low self-esteem, lack of motivation?

What makes a person take low paying jobs when they know they are smart enough to get a better one?
Maybe you just don't have the confidence to seek other jobs because your afraid of getting rejected or just don't want to go through the interview process again.
Reply:--Fear of failure. You figure, might as well get a job u know thats easy cause if u obtain a job thats challenging you'd never fail.





-- Plain Laziness





--Parental issues. You resent ur parents for whatever reason and you subconciously never want them to see u succeed because seeing you succeed would make them feel happy.





-You prefer to be told what to do rather than be a boss.





i can probably think of more....
Reply:some people take lower paying jobs because they think higher paying jobs will take more responsibility and less free time for your own personal life and growth. you have to find the highest paying job with the least responsibility. thats the trick unless you are a control freak and strive on a lot of responsibilities.
Reply:Your in a vicious circle you need to get out of it.there is no reason why you keep taking those kind of jobs when you can do better with the job and the pay.my husband is kind of the same he has a great job now makes 22.00 an hour works 30 hrs over time brings home 1000.00 a week its he profession he knows but want something else so i dont really get it but start applying for what you know dont just settle anymore you can do better and u need to motivate yourself.
Reply:It's easier to get a job when you're working than when you're unemployed. I'd suggest you get with a career counselor and


review some inviting options. Get your resume updated and go for it! Good luck!
Reply:it could be self esteem...but it could also be that there aren't any openings in your field and you take what you can for the time being
Reply:Do it. I had to "move up or move out" at my old company. They didn't have any openings, I was "too valueable" in my position. Now, I am earning TWICE my former salary.





"Is it low self-esteem, lack of motivation?" You tell me. Be honest with yourself.