So three years of university have finally come to a close- and its time to become a functioning member of society...
Everyone says its difficult to find jobs at first; some say if you get a 2:1 or above you are most likely to get one faster and others say it takes longer than you might expect. Some say that people with 1st's even struggle finding a job on account of them being 'overqualified'- how bloody bonkers is that? Some say I should aim high and go for the highly sought after post-grad 'career-type jobs', whereas others say I should start small and gain more experience. Honestly after years and years of education, I still have no idea what I want to be when I 'grow up'. I went to a good uni and came out with a 2:1, yet I have basically zero experience in the working world which is making it extremely difficult to get a job whether it be at graduate or entry level. I barely have any clue what I would be good at, but hey- "i'm still applyin', still tryin'".
My mother got a job working at Burberry at my age (21) with a 2:2 bachelor's degree and yet now I wouldn't be able to get the same job without 3 years retail experience in luxury or designer brands and some experience in customer service. Even high-street or smaller retail stores require some experience nowadays. The question is- how am I meant to get any kind experience in anything if employers won't hire me because of my lack of experience? The experience paradox.....
...At this point I am applying for anything- but jobs I feel I could take on and do well. I have learnt that I should be open to and apply for as many jobs as possible at differing levels and job descriptions, however I am also allowed to filter through jobs that suit my personality and abilities and retain some expectations/goals for myself.
Some say i'm not trying hard enough, or that I think i'm better than certain jobs. Maybe they're right, but maybe i'm still trying to figure myself out whilst navigating this new world, all the while not losing too much of who I already am. Millennials aren't 'lazy and entitled' like some older generations believe. We have so much to offer with our knowledge over new tech, social media, new forms of communication and lifestyles and high levels of computer skills attained from childhood. We are more in touch with what's going on around us whether that be something as menial as pop culture or the great changes and disparities within our current socio-economic and political climate. Teens know a lot more know then I did at their age and with this new found knowledge- the job market becomes more and more competitive, especially now that most 18 year olds are expected and even required to attend uni. I have lived through a time with no internet and then with the surge and exponential growth of the 'digital age', we as children adapted and grew up in a completely different way than from our parents generation.
Millennials are probably disillusioned with the fact that its so much harder now than it was for our parents generation to buy and own a house by the time their 30 as living expenses are climbing each year. Realistically, I probably will never own a house like my idyllic childhood house in West Acton, perhaps only until I am in my 40s. London is my home and so far the only place I feel truly happy. Being a Londoner has provided me with such a passionate, diverse, multi-faceted, accepting and open perspective and outlook on life. I found that during uni i'd even vibe best with Londoners before even knowing that that was where they were from. I don't believe I should have to give up my only dream of living out my young adult life (possibly all my life) here just because of the competitive and expensive nature of it. I'm willing to work harder and go through the necessary struggles if it means living in such an amazing city. London is the one thing I have in my life that is my own and when people tell me to move out of it for a job, I probably never will. Its scary embarking on this journey into adulthood especially whilst listening to the never-ending and contradictory advice from generation X and Z alike telling us graduates what we should and should not do. But as long as I have the comforting chaotic sounds and crazy atmosphere of this wonderful urban landscape- I know I achieved what I truly wanted for my life.
BTW I'm not trying to sell myself short; I have some work experience but because it was so long ago and unfortunately in a field I can't apply for jobs in (financial consultancy) due to my dyscalculia/dyslexia- I don't think it is doing me much good. I have acquired certain skills yet I have a feeling nobody really cares for my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze certificate, broken sign language or first aid qualifications from 2009...
Nonetheless, this is all part of figuring out what my role is in this life and the beginning is always meant to be tedious. I used to envy those with minds smart enough to have a clear cut path into a career being a vet, doctor, dentist etc because they seemed to have it all figured out and was able to navigate the world with more guidance and purpose. However, I suppose I have more freedom in what I may do with my life because nothing has been decided yet for me. For every unpaid internship /contributions and zero hour contracts out there: there will be a good, steady job that will want me, but most importantly- I'll want it.
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