I and my unemployed friends usually talk about the predicament that we find ourselves in even though we possess the necessary qualifications. And that is joblessness. Yes you have heard about this topic countless times but I think we overlook one important aspect when reaching for our dreams. And that is being persistent and believing in one self.
While watching Meryl Streep’s Oscar winning performance in the engaging film Iron Lady, something she said in her portrayal as Margaret Thatcher got me thinking. She said “Our thoughts become our actions, actions become our habits, habits become our characters and characters become who we are.”
This saying did not strike a nerve with me because one of the most poignant personalities said it but because it effectively says that it’s up to us to make our lives matter. Our dreams, hopes, aspirations and ambitions purely depend on us as individuals. Yes we need the support of educational institutions, governments and corporations to succeed, but believing in one self is the key to making sure that you achieve all that you want.
There was some commotion about a recent letter that well known academic Professor Jonathan Jansen responded to titled Jobless Graduate. While I may not agree with everything that the UOFS rector said in his rely, I do concur that the youth needs to start making an effort in increasing their chances of success when they leave high school or tertiary institutions.
One of the world’s most famous universities Harvard teaches its students that it’s better to create your own job than wait for some else to hire you. Known for drop outs turned billionaires (maybe I should have dropped out) such as Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, it’s a philosophy one might say is proving successful then being at the messy of corporations after graduation.
South African youth need to start enhancing their own chances for better careers rather than waiting for some else to do it. This includes getting as much experience as possible before completing your diploma. Volunteering, internships, summer jobs, learnerships are some the ways one can ensure they produce an attractive CV for that all important job interview.
While employment is an albatross in many developing countries, limiting your chances of being a statistic is ultimately the graduate’s responsibility. Yes circumstances vary from student to student but that should not be an excuse for anyone not to try hard at reaching for something one wants. Young graduate’s and professionals need to start adopting a ‘can do anything’ attitude rather than stick with ‘the government must provide’ mentality.
Nothing that is worthwhile is free on this earth, someone said that and I agree with it. Ambition combined with hardwork can propel anyone from any part of the world to achieve everything and more they want in this world. This is especially true for young people as we have been provided with opportunities that many years ago seemed like a pipe dream.
To climb the corporate ladder is not for everyone but being successful on your own terms does not have to be for a select few.
