How to Survive Unemployment in Lesotho
EPIC-CAREERS
This season, many institutions of higher learning in the country hosted graduation ceremonies; yet another group of individuals with no guarantee for job placements. New graduates will soon move from a level of high career aspirations into survival mode. Our country is struggling to provide jobs to graduates and, unfortunately, the only way to survive is by improving and changing, ourselves. These are some of the things that you can do to survive unemployment:
Keep on educating yourself
Being unemployed is an opportunity to upskill yourself. To educate consumers and business owners, First National Bank Lesotho has just launched a segment on their YouTube channel called Money Coupled with Advisory. They discuss topics like inflation, interest rates and economic recessions. What a Business School graduate can learn from this platform isn’t only how these financial terms affect them but also, they can watch and learn how to speak with clarity when addressing an audience, to help improve their presentation skills. Follow podcasts in your field of study and stay up to date with the developments in your industry. If you’re a Science graduate looking for an inclusive podcast that covers design topics in engineering, technology, sound, etc. then you are going to like Roman Mars’ 99% Invisible.
Consider starting a business
Starting a business, although intimidating, might just be your saving grace. Not only will it teach you about hard work and the proper handling of money but, it will save you from the pain of depression. Waking up in the morning and saying, ‘I’m going to work,’ is such a powerful ingredient to a healthy mind. To support your small business, join a community of business owners on platforms like Wenta which provides free business education with a focus on sustainability. The good news is that Lesotho has received M780m from the World Bank to support early-stage funding for small businesses so, your small business now has a real chance at exponential growth.
Put yourself out there
Because you never know who’s watching. If you really wish to know the importance of making yourself known, then I recommend Austin Kleon’s Show Your Work! A lot of motivational speakers will tell you to fall in love with the process. Austin strongly recommends showing that process if you wish to be discovered. I know what you’re thinking, ‘How can I show my work when I don’t even have a job, to begin with?’ Well, chances are, you already know what you like. What fascinated you the most while you were studying? Find that sweet spot and work on it. Comment on topics that interest you on LinkedIn and other social media platforms.
There are people who are lucky, who get a job right after graduation - some even before. You might even start wondering if you’ve made the wrong career choice. You haven’t. Keep on taking a chance and applying for jobs but, do whatever it takes to survive. If a job is legal and it pays the bills, do it and do it really well, even if it defies your ego. We all have to start somewhere.
