The outlook of underemployment in the widespread service sektor: The case of İzmir province

Underemployment is as important a problem as unemployment. Since underemployment means waste of human capital and resources, it results in decreased productivity and economic growth. In case of underemployment, the levels of working without job security and informal employment increase. In countries with high underemployment, income inequalities increase and country development slows down. One of the economic problems in Turkey is underemployment. Although underemployment is an important problem, it has not been adequately and comprehensively investigated. This research study has aimed to examine the underemployment of non-formal and part time service sector. In this context, it has been investigated whether those who work in the non-formal and part time service sector outside the field of education are satisfied with their current employment status and whether they are in search of another job, together with the reasons. A quantitative research design was used in this study. The data of the research were collected from 272 people working in different fields in the service sector in Izmir, using the survey method. The findings of the study have showed that more than half of the mainstream service sector workers feel underemployed. In addition, it has been determined that nearly half of the non-formal service sector employees think that they do not have the conditions they deserve in line with their education and qualifications in their current jobs. It has been concluded that more than half of the non-formal service sector employees work temporarily outside of their field only because of financial concerns and until they find a suitable job. It has been determined that more than half of the non- formal service sector employees think that they are over-educated and over-qualified for their job and position. More than half of the non-formal service sector workers perceive that the education they receive at school is wasted and that they are atrophied in their work. It has been concluded that the non-formal service sector employees working part- time prefer to work full-time instead of working part-time. It has been determined that the majority of employees of this type continue to believe that they will find a full-time job, and a significant proportion of employees of this type continue to actively seek employment in order to work full-time.