Please join the line!

IT IS QUITE SOMETHING else if you are fresh out of a learning institution and do not have that “link” that will land you straight into a job. Like me, you better join the line of job seekers!

It is that time of year again when hundreds and thousands of young people are out of school and are seeking jobs all around the world. High school leavers who may be going to college in September but need something to do during the summer, there are those college graduates who now hold a degree and not to mention the thousands of university graduates who just finished their Bachelors, Masters and more. These young, vibrant and imaginative minds are now ready to take on the world of work. Wait a minute!!! The line is going at snails’ speed and you better be qualified, have good references, have an impressive résumé and it would help that while you are waiting, you do lots of networking and try to know people in “high” places. I am still working on that and I am sure millions of other people are doing the same.

Each week it seems as if the line is getting longer and longer and the demand for human power is shrinking. A little recession here and a little lost in profit there. No wonder the employers don’t want to and can't really hire anyone. Work hours for some staff have been cut. Many people have been severed from their jobs while some have been laid off and have to rejoin the already long line. Some have to settle for a demotion and still others have to accept a cut in their wages.

As if that is not enough, what about starting a business of your own? That can be a tricky one at this time as certain institutions are not in the position to lend money for such ventures in this time of economic downturn. Everyone is making a little cut back here and a little cut back there in one form or another. I recently had the opportunity to speak with an individual who was turned down when she went to get a loan to start a business.

While in line...

So what do you do then? Some people I have been speaking with over the past month or so, who are working of course, keep telling me to hold on and continue to apply and do follow ups. Others say to continue praying and hoping for the best. My very good friend in Canada tells me to hold on and look to the universe. Being the person that I am, I do all of this and continue to. To all job seekers out there, I would advise that you do like me for now; Join the line, stay focused, don't get discouraged... and wait your turn!