The Irony of Job Qualifications: A Amusing Yet Frustrating Meme Goes Viral

Noah Silverbrook

Updated Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

A viral meme circulating on Imgur has captured the frustrations many face in the job market today. Titled "Give me my award!", it sheds light on the ironic and often contradictory expectations employers have regarding educational qualifications.

The meme is cleverly structured into two sections. The top portion features a dialogue that encapsulates the dilemma perfectly:

- "Forget everything you learned in college, you won’t need it here"

- "But, I didn’t go to college"

- "Well then, you’re unqualified for this job"

This textual exchange highlights the paradox many job seekers encounter: the demand for higher education that is simultaneously deemed unnecessary for the actual job role.

The bottom section of the image amplifies this theme with a visual punch. It shows a close-up of a man with long, messy hair and a beard, his face frozen in a look of utter confusion. Below his bewildered expression is the caption: "(confused unga b***a)". This humorous yet telling image resonates with many who experience similar contradictions in their job searches.

The comments under the post further underscore the commonality of this issue. For instance, one user noted, "Saw a job posting for a minimum bachelor's with a preferred master. $15-17/Hr." Another added, "Expecting office workers to work in the office, as well as respond to calls from home after hours and on weekends. But won't allow working from home. They want both things."

A college professor chimed in, offering a perspective from the academic world: "College isn't for everyone. There are plenty of great jobs out there that don't require a degree. I believe higher education should help people learn HOW to learn and think critically."

The meme has tapped into a broader conversation about the value and necessity of college degrees in today's job market. It highlights the frustration of job seekers who find themselves caught between needing a degree to get a job and being told that the knowledge gained from that degree is irrelevant.

This viral meme not only entertains but also serves as a mirror reflecting the absurdities of modern job qualifications. It has sparked a lively debate among viewers, drawing attention to the need for a more rational and realistic approach to hiring practices.

Noticed an error or an aspect of this article that requires correction? Please provide the article link and reach out to us. We appreciate your feedback and will address the issue promptly.

View source: Imgur

Top Comments from Imgur

KorbinX

Saw a job posting for a minimum bachelor's with a preferred master. $15-17/Hr.

IMarriedAGinger

Expecting office workers to work in the office, as well as respond to calls from home after hours and on weekends. But won't allow working from home. They want both things.

hooiberg

It is know about you knowledge you gained, but the way you learned to think properly.

MstrES

It is not that you have attended lessons in college, but that you are college level that is important to those sons/daughters of b****es.

JustAnotherVictimOfAmbientMorality

I see a s*** ton of job ads calling for a PhD that verly likely only need a solid Bachelor's.

2074red2074

To be fair, a high school diploma is now completely worthless. You can be a cave man who can't make fire and still get through high school. A college degree actually certifies that you can learn basic s***, even if the s*** you had to learn wasn't relevant to the job.

whitefoxkei

No oNe WaNts To WOrk AnYmoRe~!

Nyurena

Sometimes college is just gatekeeping.

potatoispeople

My theory: A college diploma shows you were able to put in hours of work, and perform a given task to an acceptable standard, and that's all companies really care about

Wrongclusterbdisorderbutgooff

I interviewed for multiple childcare centers who all boasted that they'd pay to help me get a CDA. They were excited in the interviews. When I would go into classrooms to demonstrate my skills with kids they were blown away. I was talked out of getting early childhood education when I was younger but it's always been a passion of mine. I'd get tours of the facilities. I'd meet with directors. All pointed to a offer. "We're going with another candidate"

Check out our latest stories