From a young age, I have always been told and believed that to be successful you have to have an education, which I still strongly believe in. However if I were to go back in time, understanding how the real world works, would I still have chosen to go into higher education as I did 4 years ago? I am not sure.
Why?
Well, 4 years ago entering university I believed I would leave higher education behind to finally go live my dreams in my dream job. However, that is far from reality, which definitely hit me like a truck as soon as I graduated. This is because I was in education all my early life; I was sheltered with certainty for so long knowing what my next step was. From primary school to secondary school eventually to sixth form, where so many of us were encouraged to go to university and that's what I did.
Therefore, I had never been truly exposed to the real world, even though I did have the odd student jobs and watched the news. I never truly understood what it really meant to be independent. I guess you never really understand until you have experienced something yourself. This is something I can really relate to.
So when I was finally pushed into reality, I found my dream job was far from real. I couldn't even find a job, simple. All employers wanted and still want is experience, but where was I supposed to get this experience if no one was willing to give me an opportunity? I mean, was everyone else born with this experience I didn't know about? That's all I could think about applying for jobs and constantly being rejected.
It has been a year on and I am still actively looking for job opportunities. Although, I cannot complain I am now slowly gaining experience through internships and work experience to finally build this experience, which has undoubtedly become my number one priority now.
I know I am not the only graduate feeling this way. A lot of my friends feel the same way. Fed up, fed up of being pushed aside after working so hard to get that degree to get our dream job to be rejected because our lack of experience.
While many of my school leaver friends have gone onto get their dream jobs as companies today seem to be more open to those who chose not to go to university. Could this be a reason as to why I constantly question myself of whether my degree was worth it? Has gaining a degree become the norm that it just isn't worth it?
Whether I like it or not, I am constantly questioning myself whether my degree is a blessing or a curse. Maybe in 10 years I may be able to get my dream job but for now it will have to remain ...
This period can be overwhelmed with boredom and waiting around. Trust me; I am always there, in and out constantly. But finding something to do like a hobby can definitely help, as through this experience I found my love for photography, constantly uploading pictures on Instagram, whether people like them or not. Friends in similar situations can help you, as you won't feel as alone. I can guarantee you there will be at least one friend in the same boat as you, especially in this day and age. Although it can be hard to see this period in a positive light, I am a firm believer in seeing a light at the end of the tunnel and I am sure we will see it soon.