Unemployment
I was a bright kid at school, did well and went to university. Not such a major acheivement, but as the first of my family to go to uni, winner of the pupil of the year etc I developed a raging ego about it. I thought anyone who didn't want to go into higher education and try to "better" themself was just an idiot, and that in due course I'd glide out of the univerity and smoothly into a good job. After all, that's what happens in all the books and films, right?

Wrong. I applied for numerous, nay, a vast plethora of jobs during my final year of uni and got precisely nowhere, except for unsuccessful interviews where my lack of accomplishment in areas outside my chosen subject seemed painfully obvious. (I hadn't bothered with any extra-curricular activities, leaving them for the wanker ambitious types.)

However I got a basic admin job - temporary, but enough to get me going. Or so I thought. When pounding the pavement job-hunting, it became obvious that the criteria I'd expected to go on forever applauding me no longer applied. No-one gave a fuck if I was intelligent and knew all about this, that and the other. Did I know Excel? (No). Could I type fast? (No). Could I use Powerpoint. (Thrice no). Had I ever shown initiative and organised something? (Apart from planning big hash-smoking sessions, no).

So after the temp job finished, I was on the dole. I had to move back to my parents house and sign on amongst people I'd looked down my nose at completely a few years earlier. It was something of a let-down and I just about fell to pieces in a black cloud of depression, self-pity and self-loathing.

But after coming through six months of unemployment, it made me a far less arrogant tosser of a person. When I see someone down on their luck, it makes me think "That could easily be me" and I feel fortunate and humble and grateful.

Good luck to everyone looking for work.
(McChinaman banned, Mon 6 Apr 2009, 12:28, 3 replies)

very good

Please send this to the governemnt to explain why sending every fucker and his brother to university will do most of them no good at all.
( Naked Ape call me Caitlyn, Mon 6 Apr 2009, 12:47, closed)

Amen
I will add that perhaps people in the position you describe should consider some voluntary work or join a local sports club - or just something that could be considered 'extra curricular'. It will help in interviews.

If you go through university not participating in the union, whether that be societies, sports or volunteering then you are doing yourself (particularly if you have little work experience) and your fellow students a disservice.
(jackhiggs no longer a v!rgin as of..., Mon 6 Apr 2009, 12:55, closed)

You're Right
It's a real regret of mine that I didn't get more involved with things while at uni. I did read a lot outside of my course but it's not the same thing really. Oh well, chalk down to a lesson learned.
(McChinaman banned, Tue 7 Apr 2009, 7:10, closed)