What is (NOT) Happening Behind the Scenes of a Graduate

Graduating, it’s one of those accomplishments that you will continue to mention for the rest of your life. Just like those around you did, or didn’t, it is still a factor of life that is mentioned in any respect. You go to school; you then gain the grades you need to attend a university that will, in return, give you a job.

Or so I thought.

As a recent Creative Writing graduate, the most valuable lesson I have learnt from the aftermath of three years of higher education is that the mountain still hasn’t been climbed to the top. Finishing a degree in a subject that was always subject to taunting from those who didn’t study within the art sector wasn’t something that bothered me. It still doesn’t. Though, being left with just the scroll in my hand and no further movement is something that bothers me. But surprising? It is not. The subject of a damaged job market is more apparent than ever, with myself being one of countless graduates who feel hopeless or disappointed.

There are many factors that contribute to this, allowing enthusiasts of any academic sector to not put the blame on themselves. External elements of the world that we live in now play such a large role in devaluing what we all signed up for. AI can now write this blog that I type right now; it can perform academic functions almost identically to what a human can in many regards. Creative writing, Film, Art, Media and Humanities- they are all under threat of the overwhelming presence of this technology. And for that, it is not something to blame graduates for. Not for being unemployed or becoming work-shy, it is simply the case of competing against a society that has never existed before. Searching for an internship on LinkedIn, and the description asks for 2 years’ experience in the industry is self-explanatoryof our struggle. Why do we need experience to get experience? Each degree is worth studying, for wanting to go into an industry you have always dreamed of is something we should all be able to do.

Finishing University also comes with a lot of mental pressure. Going from seeing friends every day, living away from home, being independent, having a purpose, to something of the opposite can take its toll. Making the shift from a social and academic hybrid life to an unwilling job search for months with no luck is one that can be draining and not spoken about to its extent. Affording to move out and find a place of my own is part of that struggle, the lack of a job equals a lack of money. No money, no home of my own. The increase of nearly 50% of recent graduates living with their parents is a significantly risen figure since the soaring of housing and rental costs. It can be damaging to try and hold onto hope that you will find that job and start your career with these pessimistic circumstances and those who find joy in calling out the ‘stay-at-home’ kids.

Though, not losing touch of passion and education is still important. The job industry may be putting its challenges forward for my generation of graduates, but it’s not one we cannot defeat. I find blogging my thoughts, journaling my ideas and getting fresh air can help to ease the stress of unemployment. Not losing the passion to grow and learn is what we can all continue to be good at until we get the right opportunity, whether it’s now, a year’s time or a time that is undetermined.