There may well have been debate about this before, but I thought I'd put it out here after a discussion a group of my friends had today.
We know someone in their early 20's who has a 2.1 science degree from a middle-ranking university with one years work experience (but was sacked from their last job), who refuses to apply for an office job paying 17k, never mind bar work. They have sat on their arse for the past however many months refusing to consider anything under £23k. The person has said to us: 'Why should I? I have a degree! I'm too good to do rubbish jobs".
My friendship group felt like the person was unjustified in doing this. We're all medical students, but we don't feel that we're 'above' mopping a floor, changing beer barrels or handing out pasties to make some money to get by. I know plenty of people who have a degree who work as porters or as healthcare assistants, and are happy to do so as a stop-gap while they work out other plans/apply for other jobs. Some people felt the person was really arrogant, as lots of people have a degree these days and theirs isn't particularly show-stopping.
Should having a degree rule you out of unskilled work? Or is it a reality of a recession that you may have to settle for a menial job for the meantime?
EDIT: Just thought I'd clarify that I think said person is an idiot, but wondered if others thought differently!