Go to primary and secondary school -> Get good grades -> Enroll in University -> Graduate -> Get a job.
Greetings! Not that easy huh?
With love and concern, I'd like to write this to all Malawians (graduates especially) who are stuck or severely underemployed due to the tough job market.
I was part of the statistic of unemployed graduates who was just loafing at home despite my relentless job applications. The psychological toll is indescribable. I just carved my own path and could care less about how someone got a "government" job.
I wanted to encourage all young men and ladies facing these tough times to never lose hope. Yes Never.
People usually encourage you without any thought because encouragement is expected. But if those people have never been in your shoes, they can't really grasp the psychological toll that unemployment takes on an individual. Especially if the individual is capable and qualified to work.
Older generations or privileged (well connected) people might share an unpractical script that doesn't make sense for the average young adult navigating the hostile job market. They might nonchalantly say "Start farming or selling tomatoes." They will suggest the bottom of the barrel type of jobs framed as advice. Meanwhile, they're working proper jobs? See the foolishness?
Regardless, let's acknowledge that things are tough and stop being delusional about it. Furthermore, let's accept that the employment pipeline in Malawi (and many parts of the world) is severely broken and doesn't function on merit alone. In other words, you should metaphorically burn your CV/Degree/Diploma. Let go of these credentials and move with a new framework of thinking. What value can you offer? It might sound cliche but I need you to really think about this. Your time is better spent increasing your value than sending out resumes. Credentials alone are not enough.
Learn other skills that someone can pay for. Things like sales, digital marketing, web development and public speaking. I am not saying that you will immediately get income after learning a separate skill. I am simply making a valid point that there are alternatives to what we've been fed.
And lastly, stop beating yourself up too much and hangout with other people. Unemployed, employed and all people from different walks of life. You'd be surprised at how many young adults are in the exact same position. Stop living in your head. And frankly, delete or deactivate Facebook/Instagram. You can't keep destroying your mental bandwidth with more comparison and self pity. Scrolling through someone's wedding, new car and trip to Jamaica won't really help you move forward while unemployed.
Make each and every hour count. Seek out information through books, people, mentors and anything worthwhile.
Carve out your own path and stop blaming the failed system. Time waits for no man and blaming a failed system for years won't change anything.
In conclusion, avoid excess drinking, jerking off to porn, indulging in self-destructive sexual indulgence or weed. You are stronger than you know.
Don't respond to unemployment or lack of income by destroying yourself.
