Unemployment is a problem that has hit our country hard. Creating jobs annually is just another hekaya za Abunwasi and a campaign monologue. Available jobs are few compared to the number of graduates churned out from every gate of an institution of higher learning.
The few jobs require aggressiveness and a combination of many factors. Many graduates make mistakes pertaining available jobs. Then stay unemployed for many years till they can't remember what they learnt. Here are the mistakes that make many graduates unemployed.
1. Waiting for the perfect job. One thing about universities is that they make learners snobbish and proud. It’s for this reason that many graduates can't settle for jobs that are not perfect. Some graduates expect very high salaries. If an organization can't pay them that, they can't settle for less. They are like "the offer is way below my qualification”. They forget that accepting a low paying job is not final. It opens doors and one gains experience. When the perfect job pops, one will be better placed to take it.
2. Nothing but white collar jobs. It's annoying when graduates prefer just white collar jobs. They imagine themselves too good for any other job. Many even look down upon fellow graduates who do menial jobs or even start small businesses. Then when a job offer comes up, they can't even afford fare to the interview venue. Why are graduates this way? Don't they know that Thermometer ina degrees 37 na inafanya kazi kwa makwapa.
3. Refusing to apply for jobs in the newspapers and online sites. Many graduates dismiss job advertisements. While many jobs are advertised and corruption is at the Centre, there’s no harm in trying. It's better to try and fail than not to try at all .In the same light, many have applied, gone for interviews and got hired.
4. Bribing Thugs who promise them jobs. Maybe am cynical. If my memory serves me right, four in every five graduates tell stories of how they were conned. Many have given huge sums of money only for the thugs to hit the road. While many graduates can't bribe to be hired because they don't have money, many can't genuinely look for jobs.
5. Perpetuating Labour immobility. You will be surprised that many graduates are comfortable in the village. They are waiting for their friends to call them about a job opportunity or to accidentally see an advert in newspapers. When an opportunity pops up and it’s in a secure remote area, they can't take it. They insist it's very far. Then you wonder if they walk to the place or use various means of transport. Why can't we have a public flogging day for graduates with these habits?
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