“I Graduated 10 Years Ago and I’m Still Jobless” – Graduate Shares Painful Reality Many Face in Silence
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Ten years after proudly walking across the graduation stage, clutching a degree that symbolized hope, sacrifice, and a promised future, one graduate is still searching for stable employment.
What was supposed to be the beginning of a rewarding career has instead turned into a decade-long struggle marked by rejection emails, unpaid internships, short-term hustles, and crushing disappointment.
A Dream That Slowly Faded
Speaking anonymously, the graduate recalls the excitement that followed graduation. Family celebrations, congratulatory messages, and the belief that a degree was a guaranteed ticket to success filled the air.
“I truly believed my life was about to change,” the graduate says. “I thought within a year or two, I’d be settled, working, helping my family, and building my future.”
But reality had other plans.
Months turned into years of job applications—hundreds sent, interviews rarely granted, and offers almost nonexistent. When opportunities came, they were often unpaid, underpaid, or demanded years of experience for entry-level roles.
Surviving on Hustles and Hope
To survive, the graduate took up casual jobs, temporary contracts, and small hustles—work that barely covered daily needs, let alone long-term goals.
“I’ve done jobs completely unrelated to what I studied,” they explain. “Some days I ask myself why I even went to university.”
The emotional toll has been heavy. Watching classmates move on with their lives—building careers, families, and financial stability—has fueled feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and self-doubt.
Mental and Emotional Strain
Beyond financial hardship, the graduate highlights the silent mental health battle many unemployed graduates face.
“There’s pressure from society. People assume you failed or you’re lazy,” they say. “But no one sees the sleepless nights, the anxiety, or the fear of being left behind.”
Family expectations, social comparisons, and the stigma attached to unemployment only deepen the pain.
A Crisis Facing Many Graduates
This story is not unique. Across many countries, thousands of graduates remain unemployed or underemployed years after completing their studies. The mismatch between education systems and job markets, limited opportunities, corruption, and economic instability continue to lock young professionals out of meaningful work.Experts warn that prolonged graduate unemployment risks creating a generation that loses faith in education as a pathway to success.
A Message to Fellow Graduates
Despite everything, the graduate says they are still holding on—learning new skills online, applying for opportunities, and refusing to give up completely.“To anyone going through this, you’re not alone,” they say. “Your struggle doesn’t define your worth
A Call for Change
The graduate’s story is a powerful reminder that education alone is no longer enough. Governments, institutions, and employers must rethink how graduates are prepared for the job market—and how opportunities are created.Until then, many graduates will continue waiting, hoping that one application, one opportunity, or one break will finally change their lives.
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