By Frank Obonyo
A few weeks ago, I received a phone call from a seemingly anxious recent graduate, and my former student named Robert. Below is part of what our conversation was like:
Robert: Good morning Mr. Obonyo!
Me: Good morning, Robert. How are you?
Robert: I am not fine sir. Mr. Obonyo, everything is not working for me. I have applied for jobs in many places, but I do not get responses. My rent is in arrears. Sir, I am going into mental breakdown and depression. I am fed up. Can you imagine I had a need of 50K [Shs50,000] two days ago but I could not afford it? I barely have food.
Me: I will give you a call for a better talk.
I would like to address a number of things Robert is facing.
Robert has lived a deceptive life which we used to call in our literature classes “Appearance vs Reality”. He is trapped in this world which he used to live in while at campus. He has false competition and the urge to prove what he is not. He has competed for identity, the latest iPhone, hairstyle, clothing, food and drinks, etc. But sight can mislead us like travellers in a desert. Sometimes they see ahead what they interpret as an oasis with water and palm trees; but when they arrive at the spot, there is nothing but sand. What they saw was a mirage!
Secondly, Robert developed a mentality of “I know it all” after internship. I saw how with disdain he looked at his lecturers and peers as good for nothing after learning a few skills during internship. He carried this kind of attitude up to graduation day yet internship was part of his class work. After graduation, reality set in for him; he is now responsible for his bills, searching for opportunities and so on. When he discovered that he could not maintain the ‘high’ life at campus, he became disillusioned and depressed.
Those challenges aside, I encourage you Robert to celebrate your achievement. I do not mean to say throw a party. This kind of celebration should come from inside you. Reflect on how many of your colleagues were in your primary school and have not made it to university. Did you read in the Daily Monitor newspaper that Uganda’s primary school completion rate is at 32%? You should celebrate that you were among the lucky ones.
Take one step at a time. Robert is mistaken to think that babies were born walking. Every successful person we see today has walked step-by-step to their goals. Why did Robert for example start renting a two bedroomed house? For now, get a one-bedroom affordable house and live a simple life. If you still don’t have a job, why should you leave your parent’s house? I left my parents’ house when I got a job and this was two years after graduation.
Social media world is awash with deception. People display how they are progressing and enjoying life. But do not give up easily because you have seen your colleagues posting on social media how they are winning. You do not know their life beyond what they have chosen to post. Also, take up any volunteering opportunity. This will not only keep you busy but will expose you to other opportunities and you will gain experience. As a communication and journalism graduate, walk to an organisation and tell them that you can support their communication department. Be assertive. Organisations and businesses need people who can offer solutions to their problems.
The other challenge is Robert wishes to earn the same salary and benefits like someone who has worked for over 10 or 20 years. It does not work that way. It is a combination of your qualifications, hard work and experience that will attract good money.
Finally, trust in the LORD God who cares for you more than anyone else. Keep telling God that he is your shield, strength and hope. Read scriptures that will give you hope because the Bible answers life’s biggest questions. 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no mind has conceived are the things God has prepared for those who love him.” Robert, do not give up!
