Questions

We often hear about "unemployment" probably more so than "underemployment".

Let's say a guy is an experienced software engineer. He gets laid off, and due to the competitiveness of the job market, he struggles to land a new role in his profession. Therefore, he has to pick up a role as a stocker at a grocery store to make some income in the meantime, because, after all, some income is better than none.

Or, there is a woman who graduated from a university with a bachelor's degree in graphic design. She is unable to land a career despite submitting hundreds of applications and having internship experience. Therefore, she has to continue her day job as a waitress until she is able to get her foot in the door.

These are some examples of "underemployment". Sometimes, taking a job below one's skill level is a choice, often times it is not.

I periodically see news articles about genius children, some with ages in the single digits, who graduate from high school early.

Usually, graduation from high school is a right of passage into adulthood. But the vast majority of high school graduates are around the age of majority anyways.

I just feel a genius 8 year old may be intelligent academically, but social and emotional maturity develops with age. I still wouldn't expect an 8 year old to be allowed to drive, consent to sexual activity or marriage, or be allowed to sign a binding contract. I still wouldn't allow an 8 year old to attend classes with adults in college or be a roommate to an adult. It doesn't seem right.

So then, what would an 8 year old high school graduate do with his time then?