Everybody wants to go school and that in itself is a good thing but what we don't realize is that trends change. I recall my dad telling me as a child then to be excellent in my studies because I would get scholarships from various sponsors.
My dad went ahead to tell me stories of his school days and of how students with good results get employment even before they graduate from school. He told me that the job comes with an official car and a fully furnished apartment. I was wow! School is pretty good.
But reality slapped me in the face when it did not deliver to me what I thought it would. ”Was my dad wrong?” ”Or Did he lie to me just to get me focused on my studies?” The answer to these questions is no.
So what changed?
Times and trends did. Indeed there was a time when first class students received amazing job offers even before they left school but that trend died in the 90’s. Some employment slots were hijacked by corrupt government officials and the rest were simply left to the highest bidder. Merit and hard work were no longer regarded, thereby leading to a phase of educational degradation.
Personally, I appreciate the fact that I went to school and that I took my education seriously. I also appreciate the fact although life happened, it was all for my good. I thought that immediately after I left school, jobs would be lining up for me to pick from and that everything would go easy peasy, but the harsh reality of life woke me up from my illusions.
My advice to anyone who just graduated from school is simple….
Dear graduate, learn a skill. There are no jobs anywhere
I regret not having a skill set back while I was in school. All I had was my mouth and my brains. School life would have been easier if I had learnt a skill back then, I wouldn't have bothered searching for a job. I would simply become an entrepreneur with my own business.
Secondly, I would advice a fresh school leaver to put in the work in their prime. Some fresh graduates become disillusioned into thinking that just because they came out with good results, then things will work in their favour. Here in my local residence, graduates are bus conductors. Some are even motorcyclists and commercial vehicle drivers.
I had a friend then who studied Agriculture but he was working at the bank as a bank teller. This is the reality of life. Someone who read Fishery in school, will be working as a marketer. Hmm, nothing surprises me anymore. Don't wait for manna to fall from heaven. Grab any opportunity to earn income as it comes.
Graduates or fresh school leavers should understand that there are no meagre jobs anywhere, only meagre minds. While you are waiting for the White collar job you dreamt of, grab the next available blue or brown collar job that comes your way. Keep body and soul alive while still hoping for better things ahead.
Thirdly, I would advice fresh graduates to keep investing in their growth. Just because you left school doesn't mean that you won't keep improving on yourself. Add value to yourself by investing in knowledge. Money comes to those who add value to themselves and to those who are able to provide solutions to people's needs.
Don't fold your hands waiting for charity or support. Even helpers need help as well. Form genuine relationships with people. You never know who might connect you to that dream spot you desire. It is said that you are only four people away from what you are looking for. Build healthy and genuine relationships with good people. Make an impact in the life of those who come your way.
Take no one for granted because you don't know who is who. The gate man you want to ridicule might be the CEO's bosom friend. Be responsible, respectful, humble and kind as you endeavor to pursue your goals.
Lastly, I would like to add no taking short cuts. Kill every get rich syndrome mentality. It is tough out there. No short cut to success, except you want to follow illegal paths. Embrace hard work and add to it virtues like integrity, loyalty, trust-worthiness and fair play.
It won't be long before things start aligning to the way you desire them to.
Thank you all for reading. This is my response to the #iucontest for this week. Feel free to participate here
Images are mine.
Yours truly : Beckyroyal..... Living life with passion.
